When cholesterol rises, medication becomes necessary. But relying solely on medication won't suffice. Without making changes to the diet, controlling cholesterol becomes difficult. Regular consumption of fried foods and calorie-rich meals inevitably leads to increased cholesterol. Even with medication, avoiding heart disease becomes impossible then. To reduce cholesterol escalation, fiber must be included in meals. Fiber-rich foods help control cholesterol levels.
Not just any fiber-rich food will do. Foods containing soluble fiber must be consumed more frequently. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and creates a gel-based substance in the intestines. This gel works like a sponge, absorbing excess cholesterol and eliminating it from the body. It prevents cholesterol from mixing with the bloodstream. Cardiologist Rahul Gupta has identified which 5 foods contain this soluble fiber.
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Oats
Oats contain beta-glucan, which is a type of soluble fiber. It helps reduce LDL or bad cholesterol levels. Dr. Gupta states that consuming 3 grams of beta-glucan daily can reduce the risk of heart disease. Eating a bowl of oats in the morning will keep cholesterol under control.
Apple
Fruits are essential for staying healthy. Eating one apple daily provides all the benefits. Apples contain pectin, which is a type of soluble fiber that eliminates bad cholesterol from the body through stool. Apples are also essential for intestinal health.
Pulses
Kidney beans, chickpeas, mung and lentils – any type of pulse provides soluble fiber. Moreover, pulses are plant protein, containing no bad fat. Replacing animal protein with plant protein-rich foods can easily reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Pulses improve digestive health and keep the heart protected.
Barley
If suffering from cholesterol problems, include barley soup or drinks in your daily diet. Barley contains beta-glucan fiber, which controls cholesterol levels and helps eliminate it from the body. It also reduces the risk of heart disease.
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Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, sweet lime, and lemons are extremely beneficial for the heart. Citrus fruits contain pectin, which reduces cholesterol levels. A small orange provides 1.8 grams of fiber. Therefore, consuming citrus fruits can also help control cholesterol escalation.
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