Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood.
Your body needs certain (naturally occurring) cholesterol to build cells, produce hormones, and make vitamin D.
However, too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
This is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol:
This is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries and transport it to your liver, where it can be removed from your body.
How a WFPB Diet Affects Cholesterol
A whole foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet can help to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol in several ways:
- Reduces Saturated Fat Intake
Saturated fat is found in animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs and can raise LDL cholesterol levels.
A WFPB diet is naturally low in saturated fat.
- Increases Fiber Intake
Fiber helps to bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
A WFPB diet is high in fiber.
- Increases Plant Sterol Intake
Plant sterols are compounds found in plant foods that can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
A WFPB diet is high in plant sterols.
Studies have shown that people who follow a WFPB diet can lower their LDL cholesterol levels by up to 15% and raise their HDL cholesterol levels by up to 5%.
In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, a WFPB diet can also help to improve overall heart health by:
- Lowering Blood Pressure
A WFPB diet is naturally low in sodium, which can help to lower blood pressure.
- Improving Blood Sugar Control
A WFPB diet is high in fiber, which can help to improve blood sugar control.
- Reducing Inflammation
A WFPB diet is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to reduce inflammation.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, talk to your doctor.
They can help you determine if you have high cholesterol and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
A WFPB diet can be a safe and effective way to lower cholesterol levels and improve
your overall heart health.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells, produce hormones, and make vitamin D. However, too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: This is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: This is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries and transport it to your liver, where it can be removed from your body.
How a WFPB Diet Affects Cholesterol
A whole foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet can help to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol in several ways:
Reduces saturated fat intake: Saturated fat is found in animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs and can raise LDL cholesterol levels. A WFPB diet is naturally low in saturated fat.
Increases fiber intake: Fiber helps to bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. A WFPB diet is high in fiber.
Increases plant sterol intake: Plant sterols are compounds found in plant foods that can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels. A WFPB diet is high in plant sterols.
Studies have shown that people who follow a WFPB diet can lower their LDL cholesterol levels by up to 15% and raise their HDL cholesterol levels by up to 5%.
In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, a WFPB diet can also help to improve overall heart health by:
Lowering blood pressure: A WFPB diet is naturally low in sodium, which can help to lower blood pressure.
Improving blood sugar control: A WFPB diet is high in fiber, which can help to improve blood sugar control.
Reducing inflammation: A WFPB diet is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to reduce inflammation.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if you have high cholesterol and recommend the best treatment plan for you. A WFPB diet can be a safe and effective way to lower cholesterol levels and improve your overall heart health.
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