Fighting cholesterol with food

High cholesterol levels, moving fat, like   triglycerides are the first indications of the onset of cardiovascular diseases. But instead of just taking pills, doctors are  increasingly advising patients a change in both diet and lifestyle. Foods which give strength and stamiare also being suggested. One such preferred fruit is grapefruit — which is rich in Vitamin C and also contains Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Copper and Iron. Dr Sunitha Premlatha, Chief Nutritionist at Yashoda Hospitals explains,

“Grapefruit has the potential to boost the action of many prescription drugs being handed to patients like antibiotics, anti-hypertensive drugs, statins that are used for lipid lowering, etc. It can also enhance the power of these drugs through deactivating a gastrointestinal enzyme that normally breaks down medication before absorption into the blood stream.

“Reason being, it has a compound Naringin, which creates that effect. But research is still on, hence detailed evidence is yet to be clearly brought out.”

While grapefruit is still under the scanner, the established health benefits of certain foods which have bioactive components and elicit cardio-protective effects are:

1 Whole oats and Barley have beta-glucan and soluble fibre which  lower total cholesterol. It is recommended to take three grams per day.

2 Soy is found to have proteins and flavonoids which defeat the bad cholesterol in blood, responsible for blockages. It is recommended to take 25 grams/per day.

3 Fish (fatty fish — Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel) have Omega 3 fatty acids and reduce risk of cardio trouble.

4 Whole grains have soluble fibre and folate which reduce CVD risk. At least 85g /day must be taken.

5  Nuts (walnuts and almonds). They have unsaturated fatty acids and are rich in Vitamin E and Poly unsaturated fatty acids.

6 Red wine and grapes reduce platelet aggression. Recommended dosage is 240 to 480ml per day.