Cholesterol is a fatty substance in blood, and while it is essential for a number of bodily functions, it can be dangerous when levels are too high. But one fruit could help
A green fruit, often mistaken for a vegetable, is packed with vital vitamins and could help slash cholesterol levels, according to a pharmacist.
Cholesterol, a fatty substance found in our blood, is naturally produced by the body and plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. However, when levels spike too high, it can lead to serious health issues.
High cholesterol can clog up our blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow through. This can increase the risk of severe complications such as heart attacks and strokes. While genetics can play a part, lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking and heavy drinking are known to boost cholesterol levels.
In some cases, medication may be necessary, but often, more exercise and a healthier diet can help bring levels down. Experts advise cutting back on fatty foods, especially saturated fats like processed meats, cheese, butter and cakes.
The NHS also recommends upping your intake of fruits and vegetables if you have high cholesterol. However, one fruit in particular has been singled out for its potential benefits, reports the Express.
Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist at Chemist Click Online Pharmacy, spoke about the okra, a flowering plant native to East Africa. Although it’s technically a fruit from a botanical perspective, it’s often used more like a vegetable in cooking.
“Some studies have suggested that okra, also known as lady’s fingers, may play a role in reducing cholesterol,” Abbas 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.
“Studies conducted on mice showed lower blood cholesterol levels after they were fed a high-fat diet containing okra powder.”
The study Abbas referred to was published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry in 2014, and found that obese mice that were fed the fruit saw their cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels reduced.
“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 concluded. Abbas says okra is also “rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease”.
However, he warned that people with diabetes “should be cautious when adding more okra into their diets, as it can also interfere with metformin, a medication often used to treat type 2 diabetes”.
Harvard Medical School has singled out a certain fruit as one of 11 foods that can help reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein, the notorious “bad” cholesterol, thanks to its “low calorie” content and abundance of soluble fibre. While high cholesterol typically flies under the radar without symptoms, the NHS advises that a blood test is the only way to detect it.
If you’re worried about your cholesterol levels, it’s best to consult with your GP for testing and heed professional medical guidance.