Introduction
Cholesterol is a lipid-like molecule found in every cell of the body. It is essential to maintain the cholesterol level in your blood. However, if your cholesterol gets too high, it can increase the chance of heart attacks, strokes, and other diseases.
So, getting your cholesterol level checked is an integral part of being healthy. While many factors contribute to the levels we have in our body, certain foods can lower the number.
When it comes to reducing cholesterol, there are many different aspects you’ll need to consider. What types of foods should you avoid? What foods should you eat? How do the seeds list help? Read on for all the details!
Hence, to help decrease your cholesterol levels, consider adding healthy seeds to your diet. There are seeds like delta-8, flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds that help reduce cholesterol and keep arteries healthy. People tend to get confused between delta 8 and delta 10 THC but delta 8 seeds should be added in the diet for better results.
Since many herbs and supplements can reduce cholesterol levels, you must know a few things before using them. This article has mentioned some of the best herbs and supplements for lowering your cholesterol levels.
So, let’s get started!
The Rising Problem Of Cholesterol!
The rising problem of cholesterol is a direct result of the body’s inability to produce enough cholesterol in the first place. Unfortunately, many people cannot make enough cholesterol and have high harmful cholesterol levels, leading to cardiac arrest, stroke, heart attack, and death.
However, this increasing rate of obesity and heart disease is the most significant worldwide health problem for millions. Cholesterol is a vital nutrient our body needs to function normally, but there are different kinds of cholesterol.
There are two types of cholesterol, LDL-C or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, consisting of bad cholesterol or lipid. HDL-C or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is also composed of good cholesterol or lipid. The main crucial difference between these two types is that LDL-C damages the walls of the arteries, whereas HDL-C cleanses the arteries.
So, over time, too much cholesterol can lead to potentially deadly diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and dementia. For these reasons, experts recommend that everyone try their best to eat a diet low in cholesterol.
The Available Seeds For Reducing Cholesterol
Seeds help in reducing bad cholesterol. Seeds have antioxidants and many vitamins. They also have minerals like magnesium, potassium, and sodium, which help keep your body healthy. Some seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids that help improve good cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol.
So, let’s check out the best seeds that help in reducing the cholesterol from the body:
1. Flaxseeds
These flaxseeds are rich in the Omega-3 fatty acid ALA and these, when consumed in the form of oil, can help to reduce bad cholesterol levels. If you don’t know, it is one of the richest sources of omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids get needed by our bodies to function correctly, and it is essential for our brain functioning. DHA, an omega-three fatty acid found in Flaxseeds, has been shown to help protect the brain from degenerative diseases like dementia. And only DHA can be used by the brain and nervous system to produce adequate amounts of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin.
2. Delta-8
Delta-8 THC is an extract of the cannabis plant commonly known as Sativa. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.
It includes a high amount of CBD (cannabidiol), which helps in reducing cholesterol levels. It contains a significant THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), responsible for its euphoric effects.
Since it is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that helps decrease bad cholesterol, it binds to receptors in the liver cells, increasing their release of Lipoic Acid. It also increases the enzyme Glutathione Peroxidase which can destroy harmful tissue by reducing its base components.
3. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds contain a powerful antioxidant called lignan, which helps remove harmful cholesterol from the body. These lignans have antioxidant properties and help reduce low levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), called Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). This LDL is the leading cause of blood clots and cardiovascular problems like a heart attack or stroke. Hence, it works by improving the liver functions and thereby helps to get rid of bad cholesterol from the blood. Sesamol Lignan can be easily obtained through a daily intake of sesame seeds following a healthy diet and exercise routine.
4. Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds are incredibly high in Omega-3s, essential for a healthy heart. The seeds contain more ALA than flax, which means they provide an even more vital boost of omega 3s to your diet. The body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, two essential fats found in brain cells, nerves, and eyeballs – all body parts that need optimal levels of these omega 3’s. Hence, ALA is good for heart health because it improves your vitamin E levels, which support cardiovascular function by reducing inflammation.
5. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds have a high content of compounds called phytosterols, which are present in almost all seeds. Phytosterols help reduce bad cholesterol and act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Beta-sitosterol is one type of phytosterol that is especially good at lowering bad cholesterol levels: it helps block the enzyme LDL receptor, thus preventing elevated bad cholesterol levels from clogging your arteries. Phytosterols are found in rich quantities in pumpkin seed oil than any other oils due to their high beta-sitosterol content.
Conclusion
The process of lowering cholesterol levels is not easy. Many factors contribute to it, and there are a few things you can do to help keep your cholesterol in check. The most common way people try to lower their cholesterol is by eating foods high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
So, there are a few ways to lower your cholesterol with seeds and food. One way is to eat low-fat dairy products like skim milk, yoghourt, and cheese. These foods contain proteins that can help reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Seeds also include high doses of fibre which helps lower cholesterol levels.
As we all know, a healthy diet is needed for good health, but it’s essential to start by learning what to cut out of the diet. When it comes to cholesterol, the most important thing to do is find foods high in omega-3s. Seeds such as sesame, sunflower, and chia can provide these necessary fatty acids, and they can be present in abundance in many recipes.