5 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels

People who struggle with high cholesterol levels tend to begin thinking more about everything they eat. Whether it’s a bowl of fruit or a delicious hamburger, they are left wondering how their choices will impact their numbers. While it is tempting to skip snacking altogether, a healthy snack can go a long way in maintaining metabolism as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Changing the kinds of foods one eats can not only lower cholesterol levels but also improve fat levels through the bloodstream. Here are some great snacks that are extremely helpful in fighting cholesterol.

Popcorn
Popcorn can be low in calories when one eats a smart serving size and avoids the salt and butter. What’s more, it’s a whole grain full of fiber. Popcorn can be easily made at home by air popping it and adding some olive oil and a little bit of parmesan cheese or a few seasonings for some extra flavor. Using olive oil instead of butter helps lower the bad LDL cholesterol and increase the good HDL cholesterol.

Nuts
Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, etc. are great for the heart and are powerhouses of energy. Some studies have even demonstrated that nuts slightly lower the levels of bad LDL cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, one should eat ¼ ^th of a cup of nuts every day for a healthy heart.

Vegetables
Vegetables are a great source of essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all of which go a long way in helping lower LDL cholesterol. While they might not be the first snack that one voluntarily reaches out for, vegetables are required by the body. Vegetable snacking is easier when you buy pre-cut vegetables or prep some vegetables for a weekly ration. Snacking is made easier when you can simply grab a handful of carrots or bell peppers and dip them in some delicious hummus. The ideal quantity of vegetables is 3–5 servings every day (one serving = ½ cup).

Oatmeal
One of the easiest ways to better one’s cholesterol levels is to include a bowl of oatmeal in one’s everyday diet. Oatmeal contains “soluble fiber,” which is instrumental in soaking up the cholesterol and moving it through the body without it being absorbed in any way. So, irrespective of whether one chooses to eat oatmeal as breakfast or as a quick snacking option, oatmeal is a great food item to snack on when one has high cholesterol.

Fruit
Fruits are probably one of the easiest on-the-go snacks. Not only do fruits help in satisfying sugar cravings, but they’re also a great snack for those people who suffer from high cholesterol since it contains high amounts of potassium, fiber, and pectin. One should try and eat 3–4 servings of fruit per day.

While healthy snacks can be difficult to incorporate into one’s daily diet, healthy snacks are easier to be slipped into one’s meal. The snacks mentioned above are important for dealing with the problem of high cholesterol.

To effectively manage cholesterol levels, doctors may also prescribe other treatment options. One such treatment is LIVALO® (pitavastatin), an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, or “statin.” When consumed with heart-healthy foods, LIVALO® (pitavastatin) can bring down total cholesterol, “bad” or LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and Apo B levels, and raise “good” or HDL cholesterol levels in the blood. It is an oral tablet that is usually taken once daily. Side effects can include muscle pain, back pain, constipation, and diarrhea.

It’s worth mentioning that Medicare Plan B covers cholesterol tests for individuals every five years free of cost. The plan also covers blood work that can track one’s cholesterol levels. Having Plan A is another benefit since it can pay for one’s stay cost if one is admitted to the hospital as a result of high cholesterol.