Apples fpr Cholesterol (Credit-Canva)
We all know the phrase that ‘An apple a day keeps a doctor away’ but there may be some truth to it! Apples are quite common for North American diets, so much so that it is one of the top-ranking foods by them. While it is true that this popularity is because of how affordable this fruit is, but beyond how good it tastes, apples are known to have a lot of nutrients that contribute to overall well-being, particularly heart health. They are not only a good source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but these elements also help you keep your cardiovascular function in check. With the cost of food rising day by day, making healthy food more unaffordable for people, apples being affordable and a great source of nutrition is a big deal! These make it a lot less likely for people to rely on medicine to cure their issues. This versatile fruit can be enjoyed in many ways, while there are desserts you can add the fruit to, there are many healthy smoothies and drinks that are made better when you add the fibrous fruit to it.
Scientists have done studies on both animals and people that show how pectin helps with cholesterol. Animal studies have found that pectin can lower total and LDL cholesterol. Studies with people have shown similar results, when people eat foods with pectin, their LDL cholesterol goes down. These studies show that pectin can really help lower cholesterol naturally and that eating apples is a good way to get it.
Eating apples regularly can help manage your cholesterol, even if they won't completely fix very high cholesterol on their own. Eating an apple every day gives you a steady supply of pectin and other good nutrients. This helps keep your cholesterol at a healthy level and lowers your risk of heart problems. Remember that eating apples works best when combined with other healthy habits like a good diet and exercise. They're an easy and tasty way to support your heart health over time.
After menopause, women often see their cholesterol levels go up because of hormone changes. Studies show that apples can be especially helpful for these women. Regular apple consumption has been shown to lower both total and LDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women. This means apples can be a great way for these women to manage their cholesterol naturally. The studies also suggest that the longer you eat apples regularly, the better the results for your cholesterol. Here are some healthy foods you can incorporate apple into.
Combine rolled oats, milk (dairy or non-dairy), Greek yogurt (optional, for extra protein), chopped apple, cinnamon, and a touch of honey or maple syrup in a jar. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy cold in the morning. This is a great make-ahead breakfast that's packed with fiber and protein.
A warm and comforting breakfast option. Combine oats, milk, eggs, chopped apple, cinnamon, and other spices like nutmeg and ginger. Bake until set. You can add nuts or seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
A simple yet satisfying breakfast or snack. Toast whole-wheat bread and spread with natural peanut butter. Top with thinly sliced apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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