“Cholesterol (a waxy substance that coats arteries and routes in the body) is essential to the body since it is made up of cells, membranes, and nerves. In many situations, however, it can tip over, resulting in heart disease and other problems,” macrobiotic dietitian Shonali Sabherwal wrote on Instagram.

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While having a high amount of “good” HDL cholesterol is advantageous, having a high level of “bad” LDL cholesterol can contribute to heart problems.

Cholesterol is required by your body to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease.

You can get fatty deposits in your blood vessels if you have high cholesterol. These deposits eventually accumulate to the point where blood flow through your arteries is restricted. Those deposits can sometimes rupture and form a clot, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.

While having a high amount of “good” HDL cholesterol is advantageous, having a high level of “bad” LDL cholesterol can contribute to heart problems. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol, it’s critical to make some lifestyle modifications, beginning with your food.

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Vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains are examples of plant-based foods that are naturally high in soluble fibre, soy protein, and plant sterols, and are frequently advised for lowering cholesterol levels.

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Sabherwal recommends the following diet modifications:

*Increase your magnesium intake (acts like a statin, preventing more build-up)

*Take a cup of green tea (reduce LDL cholesterol)

*Incorporate more whole grains into your diet (soluble fibre). “That’s why so many people prescribe psyllium husk to decrease cholesterol,” Sabherwal explained.

*Include vitamin K2 (reduces serum cholesterol)

*Adding coconut oil (cold-pressed) balances the LDL/HDL ratio (lowers total cholesterol)

*Chia or flax seeds, as well as fish oils, can be added (increases omegas)

*Avoid trans fats, processed foods, sweets, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.