Silent yet harmful, high cholesterol can boost your risk of severe health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. Characterised by a lack of symptoms, this condition can quietly build up in your arteries. Fortunately, research highlights a small food item that could help lower levels by 11.6 percent.
One food that can help do that are pistachios, according to research published in Science Daily.
The study found that a daily handful of pistachio nuts may help to lower cholesterol.
On top of that, this dose can provide the antioxidants usually found in leafy green vegetables and brightly coloured fruit.
Sarah K. Gebauer, a graduate student in integrative biosciences from Penn State University, said: “Pistachio amounts of 1.5 ounces and three ounces – one to two handfuls – reduced risk for cardiovascular disease by significantly reducing LDL [low-density lipoprotein] cholesterol levels and the higher dose significantly reduced lipoprotein ratios.”
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Heart UK explains why nuts, in general, are good at busting cholesterol.
Apart from being rich in unsaturated fats, they are also low in saturated fat – “a mix which can help to keep your cholesterol in check”.
They add: “[Nuts] contain fibre which can help block some cholesterol being absorbed into the blood stream from the gut, as well as protein, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, natural plant sterols and other plant nutrients which help keep your body healthy.
“They’re also filling, so you’re less likely to snack on other things.”
And other health portals, including Mayo Clinic, also highlight the benefits of adding a handful to your diet.