What Peppers Are Good for Lowering Cholesterol?
There is no quick fix for lowering blood cholesterol levels although there are certain dietary changes that can be made in order to speed up the process. Studies suggest that the best method for lowering blood cholesterol is the incorporation of "Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes" (TLC). Among these changes is a change in diet that will naturally aid in the lowering of cholesterol levels. The use of certain kinds of peppers in the diet may actually aid in this process.
Other People Are Reading
-
Red and Green Bell Peppers
-
Bell peppers, in general, are a great source of dietary fiber. Studies suggest that increasing the amount of soluble fiber in the diet can significantly reduce blood cholesterol levels. Green bell peppers are high in fiber and can play an important role in any cholesterol reduction diet. Red bell peppers are also high in dietary fiber but also have additional health benefits. Red peppers contain lycopene, a carotenoid, known to help reduce the likelihood of cancer and heart disease. Both red and green bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamins A and C; they also contain much needed potassium, which is known to help lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is typically a side-effect of heightened cholesterol levels present in the blood over extended periods of time. You can help lower your cholesterol levels by simply incorporating more of these delicious vegetables into your diet.
Cayenne Pepper
-
Cayenne pepper has long been recognized by alternative medicine practitioners as a natural food source that has many positive health benefits. Cayenne pepper has a thermogenic effect on the body. This means that is raises body temperature from within and causes the body to expend more calories. Cayenne is also known to increase circulation and reduce arterial blockage in the process. This can result in the lowering of cholesterol levels as well. A good way to incorporate cayenne pepper into your regular diet is to simply add a small amount to your favorite foods on a daily basis. If you are unable to stomach the taste of cayenne, you can buy it in capsule form at just about any pharmacy or health food store.
-
A More Healthy Lifestyle
-
Remember that there is no natural quick fix to lowering bad cholesterol levels. By incorporating red and green bell peppers into your diet along with the regular use of cayenne pepper, you can expect to see some positive health benefits. Your diet should also consist of high quality low-fat proteins such as fish, turkey or chicken, along with an abundance of green leafy vegetables which are also high in fiber. You should also exercise a minimum of 30 minutes daily, even if it is just walking at a moderate pace. By exercising the heart and making it strong, you will increase circulation and aid the body in clearing any arterial blockage which occurred as a result of your high cholesterol diet in the past.
-
