High cholesterol is a significant health concern in the US, with approximately 10 percent of adults aged 20 and older exhibiting total cholesterol levels exceeding 240 mg/dL, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Elevated cholesterol levels are a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases , which are among the leading causes of mortality nationwide.
Cholesterol, a lipid produced by the liver and obtained through dietary sources, is essential for various bodily functions, including hormone production and cell membrane formation. However, an excess of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often termed “bad” cholesterol, can lead to the accumulation of plaques in arterial walls, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as “good” cholesterol, aids in transporting cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver for excretion. Maintaining a favorable balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol is crucial for cardiovascular health. Eating Bruschetta in Restaurant RELATED: First Study of Its Kind Shows Mediterranean Diet Brain Health Benefits for Latinos
Research indicates that plant-based diets are effective in lowering cholesterol levels. A meta-analysis published in the European Heart Journal found that individuals adhering to vegetarian or vegan diets experienced significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B, a protein associated with LDL particles. Specifically, these diets were associated with a 7-percent reduction in total cholesterol and a 10-percent decrease in LDL cholesterol. The study concluded that plant-based diets have the potential to lessen the atherosclerotic burden from atherogenic lipoproteins, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. How plant-based diets lower cholesterol
Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of plant-based diets in reducing cholesterol. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association , plant-based diets lowered LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 15 percent when compared to omnivorous diets.
A separate meta-analysis published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases found that plant-based diets could lower LDL cholesterol by up to 30 percent, comparable to the effect of statin medications. Researchers noted that fiber, plant sterols, and polyunsaturated fats found in plant foods play a critical […]
Research Says These Are the Best Foods to Lower Cholesterol Naturally
