Thursday, March 17, 2005

Top Cholesterol Lowering Foods Oats, Almonds and More

These are the best cholesterol lowering foods.

Oats are one of the very best cholesterol lowering foods. Oats contain beta-glucan, a spongy, soluble fiber that mops up the precursors of cholesterol in the intestines and they are eliminated out of the body. Oats may also help lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Oats contain antioxidants, such as the vitamin E­like compounds called tocotrienols.

The dietary fiber and protein in oats make you feel full fast, which helps with weight loss and control.

Orange and tangerine peels may be better than drugs for lowering cholesterol--with zero side effects.

Almonds can not only lower your cholesterol, but also help you lose weight.

Almonds contain a special kind of fat that may not be completely absorbed by the body and instead acts as a barrier to other types of fat. Almonds contain vegetable protein, plant sterols, and fiber and are rich in vitamin E.

Almonds and lowering your cholesterol

According to a study published in the journal Metabolism, a diet high in almonds and other heart-healthy foods achieved a 35 percent decrease in LDL, or "bad," cholesterol in just two weeks.

Other excellent cholesterol lowering foods includes margarine enriched with plant sterols, barley, eggplant, okra, tofu, soy milk, and soy.

A particular study in Canada by Dr. David Jenkins determined that creating a dietary plan that includes all these foods in combination is just as effective as taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins.

CholesteSoy- Promotes Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Soy Protein Heart Healthy and Cholesterol Lowering

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Antioxidants and top health foods

Here is a list of foods with the highest levels of antioxidants in them:

Vegetables highest in antioxidants:
Artichokes
Beans
Russet potatoes

Fruits highest in antioxidants:
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cranberries

Nuts with the highest level of antioxidants:
Hazelnuts
Pecans
Walnuts

Spices with the highest level of antioxidants:
Ground cloves
Ground cinnamon
Oregano

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.