Eating snacks is usually associated with junk food, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are four high fiber snacks for better cholesterol.
There are plenty of snacks that increase your cholesterol, but eating the right kind (with soluble fiber) can lower cholesterol. According to David Frid, M.D., a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, “it works by binding to bile acids the body produces to help digest food.” In turn, your body uses cholesterol from your bloodstream to create more bile acids and lowers your cholesterol.
Marisa Moore, RDN, adjunct professor at Georgia State University and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, suggests adding high-fiber foods to your diet. “The amount that seems to make a difference is around 10 grams per day,” says Moore.
If you want to eat high-fiber snacks to improve your cholesterol, try the following four healthy snacks.
1. Nuts
Some studies show that nuts may slightly lower cholesterol levels, which is why you should consider eating them as snacks. Moreover, soy nuts and hazelnuts are particularly high in fiber, containing 3.5 grams and 1 gram respectively. If you have a tree nut allergy, you can try sunflower seeds as an alternative, as they contain 1 gram.
2. Vegetables
Because they’re great sources of essential minerals, vitamins, and fiber, vegetables can help lower cholesterol – specifically “bad” LDL cholesterol. While vegetables are usually part of a meal, you can make them snacks by prepping them or buying pre-cut versions. As a result, you’ll find it easier to reach for these healthy snacks and pair them with a healthy dip.
3. Popcorn
In addition to being rich in fiber, popcorn can also be a low-calorie snack if you don’t butter it. To flavor it, simply pop it at home and add a few seasonings, olive oil, or parmesan cheese. Try using olive oil instead of butter to help increase your “good” HDL cholesterol and lower your LDL cholesterol.
4. Oatmeal
One of the easiest ways to improve your cholesterol is to add some oatmeal to your daily diet. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber that helps “soak up” your cholesterol and transports it throughout your body without it getting absorbed. Moreover, you can simply have it as your daily breakfast and pair it with fruit for additional flavor.
The Outlook
Instead of spending money on salty or overly sweet snacks, buy snacks that will help improve your health. By eating nuts, vegetables, popcorn, oatmeal, and other high-fiber snacks, you can improve your cholesterol and overall wellness.
In addition, you can give your cholesterol health an extra boost by taking daily supplements like L-arginine Plus. Its ingredients effectively promote healthy cholesterol, circulation, blood pressure, energy levels, and more.
Give your heart health the support it deserves and try L-arginine Plus while you eat high-fiber snacks.