12 hours Ago By Ben Hurst
A green fruit often found in soups could be the secret weapon in the fight against high cholesterol, a pharmacist has suggested. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that our bodies naturally produce and is essential for many bodily functions. However, when levels become too high, it can block our blood vessels, making it more difficult for blood to flow through.
This can lead to serious health problems, including strokes and heart attacks. Various factors can cause an increase in cholesterol, including genetics, but lifestyle choices such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption are the most common culprits. While some people may need medication, cholesterol can also be managed through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Cutting down on saturated fats, like processed meats, cheese, butter and cakes, is known to help lower cholesterol, and the NHS recommends increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. One fruit, in particular, has been singled out for its potential benefits, as research suggests it can bind with cholesterol during digestion. Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist at Chemist Click Online Pharmacy, has discussed the potential health benefits of okra.
This flowering plant, native to East Africa and often used as a vegetable in cooking, could play a role in reducing cholesterol, he explained, reports Surrey Live. "Some studies have suggested that okra, also known as lady's fingers, may help lower cholesterol levels," he explained. "It is commonly used in soups and stews and a thick, gel-like substance found in okra, called mucilage, can bind with cholesterol during digestion so it is passed from the body.
" He continued: "Studies conducted on mice showed lower blood cholesterol levels after they were fed a high-fat diet containing okra powder." The expert cited a study from the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry in 2014. That research found that obese mice experienced a decrease in cholesterol and blood sugar levels when given the fruit.
"Our results indicate that okra may serve as a dietary therapy for hyperglycaemia [high blood sugar] and hypertriglyceridemia- [high levels of fat in the blood]," the study reached a conclusion. Packed with vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants that could slash the risk of severe health issues such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, okra has much to offer, Abbas highlighted. Yet, he warned those with diabetes to be mindful about increasing their intake of okra because it may conflict with metformin, a common type 2 diabetes medication.
Harvard Medical School has pinpointed okra as one of 11 foods that can help reduce low-density lipoprotein, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, thanks to its "low calorie" and high soluble fibre content. The NHS website highlights that high cholesterol typically doesn't present symptoms, and a blood test is the only way to diagnose it. If you're worried about your cholesterol levels, it's recommended to consult with your GP.
For more information on high cholesterol from the NHS, click here . oily fish, like mackerel and salmon olive oil, rapeseed oil and spreads made from these oils brown rice, wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta nuts and seeds fruits and vegetables meat pies, sausages and fatty meat butter, lard and ghee cream and hard cheese, like cheddar cakes and biscuits food that contains coconut oil or palm oil.
