Cholesterol research is an ever-evolving thing: One day we’re told that eggs are an absolute no-no if we have high cholesterol, and the next we hear that it’s actually okay to eat eggs. Doctors have been prescribing statin drugs like Lipitor left and right for patients with high cholesterol, but then recent research has shown that following a Mediterranean-style diet is just as effective at lowering cholesterol as these drugs. What to do?
Here are four tips to help you reduce your cholesterol without resorting to prescription drugs:
- Fiber, fiber, fiber. Fiber helps rid the body of cholesterol, and is crucial for overall good health as well. Beans are a terrific source of fiber, as are fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
- Cut out the white stuff. Refined carbohydrates–white breads, white pasta, white rice, white sugar–are wreaking havoc on our health, including our cholesterol. Replace these processed products with whole grains.
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods. Berries, dark chocolate, red wine, green tea–all of these are high in antioxidants and will help lower your cholesterol.
- Eat as the Cretans do. The model Mediterranean diet is the traditional diet of the island of Crete, a place where, until the recent influx of fast-food chains, heart disease was virtually non-existent. Their diet is rich in fish, olive oil, green vegetables, and whole grains.
