Which foods can lower cholesterol in the elderly

　　In addition to medications, there are actually many herbal supplements that can lower cholesterol. However, you need to talk to your doctor before adding these supplements to your diet, as they may interact with your medications and cause dangerous side effects.

　　Some effective herbs and supplements include:

　　garlic

　　Experiments have shown that garlic can lower blood cholesterol levels, even by a few percentage points. But some studies have found that garlic is not as beneficial as imagined. It also has significant side effects and may react with certain medications. Garlic may prolong bleeding and blood clotting. Therefore, garlic should not be eaten before surgery, and garlic should not be taken with hemostatic drugs, such as warfarin.

　　Guggulipid

　　Balsam gum is a gum extracted from the Mukulmu tree in India. Indian clinical Tests have shown that gum balm can effectively reduce blood cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. Therefore, the use of balsamic gum as an herbal medicine to lower cholesterol became popular until a clinical trial in the United States found that the side effects of balsamic gum were reported. Therefore, the safety and efficacy of this herb requires further research.

　　red yeast rice

　　Studies have shown that red yeast rice can lower cholesterol and the red yeast rice-containing drug monastisol is also available in pharmacies. But in 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration withdrew Monascus from the market because it contained a compound found in the prescription cholesterol drug Lovastatin (Mevacor), and announced that Monascus did not contain red yeast rice. Another drug containing red yeast rice recently became available in the United States, which also contains a small amount of lovastatin, so its efficacy has been questioned.

　　policosanol

　　Polyol extracted from sugar cane has been found to be effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in multiple studies. However, in the United States, many supplements, such as the previously mentioned monascus puritol, contain polyol, which is extracted from natural plant wax, not sugar cane puritol. It has not yet been proven whether polyol extracted from plant wax can lower cholesterol. Further research is needed to see how effective sugarcane policitol is in reducing lipids.

　　Other herbs

　　Numerous studies have shown that fenugreek seeds and leaves, artichoke leaf extract, yarrow, and basil can help lower cholesterol. These plants are also being studied for their preventive effects when combined with other herbs and spices including ginger, turmeric and rosemary. coronary heart disease potential efficacy.

　　Diet therapy

　　Increased consumption of edible fiber, soy foods, and plant compounds (such as plant sterols) can significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

　　fiber

　　Only plant foods (vegetables, fruits, legumes, unprocessed grains) contain dietary fiber. Soluble fiber found in foods including oatmeal, barley, psyllium, flaxseed, apples, citrus fruits, kidney beans and peas are very effective in lowering cholesterol.

　　soy

　　Research shows that cyclodu is effective in preventing coronary heart disease by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. Soy protein can be found in tofu, tempeh, soy milk, soy yogurt, edam, pods, and other soy foods.

　　Phytosterols

　　Phytosterol complexes can be found in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and vegetable oils. They work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is found in things like spreads, salad dressings and food supplements.

　　Dietary fiber, soybeans and plant sterols all lower cholesterol levels through different processes. Therefore, if these foods are eaten with a small amount of saturated fat, they can lower cholesterol more effectively.

　　And eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help lower cholesterol. Eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna and sardines, at least twice a week. Omega-3 fatty acids also come from flax seeds and walnuts.

　　Avoid partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated vegetable oils. These artificial oils are a great source of trans fatty acids that increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. They inhibit the absorption of the heart-protecting substance high-concentration lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and increase the body's inflammatory response. Some packaged foods contain trans fatty acids, so be careful to eat less foods containing trans fatty acids.

　　If low-fat, plant-based meals alone do not lower cholesterol levels, they must be combined with cholesterol-lowering medications.