For instance, consuming an excessive amount of saturated fats is thought to considerably improve your ldl cholesterol.
However, there are meals that may do the alternative.
According to Jo Hilditch from the Blackcurrant Foundation, blackcurrants have cholesterol-lowering properties.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, she mentioned: “An easy way to introduce heart-healthy foods into your diet is with a handful of blackcurrants; this readily available British berry is in season from July to August and could play a vital role in combating high cholesterol, and by extension, cardiovascular disease.”
What’s the science behind it?
“It's all about the flavonoids, naturally occurring compounds known for their powerful health benefits,” Ms Hilditch defined.
“These compounds have been shown to improve blood vessel function and reduce blood stickiness, which lessens the risk of small, harmful blood clot formation.
“Scientific research indicates that flavonoids might also inhibit the formation of bad cholesterol (otherwise known as oxidised low-density lipoprotein), which, if left unchecked, can cling to blood vessel walls, leading to artery narrowing and potential cardiovascular disease.
“Laboratory tests have given some credence to these effects, with flavonoids showing potential to reduce the rate at which bad cholesterol forms.
“In addition, experiments have suggested that blackcurrant juice can positively impact blood vessel function.
“One study even demonstrated improved blood flow in the forearm and reduced shoulder muscle stiffness following the consumption of blackcurrant anthocyanins.”
A examine, printed in Molecules journal in 2021, trialled the usage of blackcurrant extract on 12 wholesome younger ladies.
It discovered that very-low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (each kinds of “bad” ldl cholesterol) have been lowered after 29 days of taking the extract day by day.
The examine mentioned: “In this study, we examined the effects of blackcurrant extract (BCE) on serum lipid levels in healthy young women as test subjects.
“There was no effect after four days of BCE intake, but the total serum cholesterol level was lowered after 29 days of intake.
“In addition, the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol level was significantly lowered, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol also showed a decreasing trend.”
It added that blackcurrant extract “inhibits the absorption of cholesterol”.
If you might be involved about your levels of cholesterol you need to communicate to your GP.
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