Did you know that polenta lowers cholesterol? - VitaBella Benessere Naturale (2024)

FAQs

Is polenta good for lowering cholesterol? ›

Whether corn or buckwheat, this “poor man's” food typical of northern Italy cleanses the blood, tones the liver and even regenerates the muscles, but only by matching the right ingredients… nourishing, and in many cases would even create a sense of heaviness.

Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods

Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your LDL cholesterol.

The soluble fiber in foods like oat bran, barley, psyllium seeds, flaxseed meal, apples, citrus fruits, lentils, and beans are particularly effective at lowering total and LDL cholesterol. Nuts: Ones like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios can reduce cholesterol.

Cholesterol is often high due to excessive saturated and trans fat consumption. There are certain drinks that can help maintain an ideal cholesterol level. Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine.

Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk, is a common Indian drink that has recently been gaining popularity in western cultures due to many health claims. It's beautiful bright yellow color is a result of adding turmeric, along with spices such as cinnamon and ginger, to milk.

Cholesterol-lowering foods

1) Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods. Foods high in soluble fiber help reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is also found in kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes. 2) Fish and omega-3 fatty acids.

Reduce saturated fats.

Saturated fats, found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy products, raise your total cholesterol. Decreasing your consumption of saturated fats can reduce your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol.

Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is a B vitamin that can help to lower cholesterol. Although niacin is naturally present in certain foods, there are two types of dietary niacin supplements. These are nicotinic acid and nicotinamide.

What is an all powerful herb that lowers cholesterol? ›

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as tulsi, is a member of the mint family. A 2016 study showed statistically significant improvements in the values of serum TG, LDL, HDL, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) after only 8 weeks.

Reduced risk of heart disease

Plant compounds found in lemons--namely limonin, hesperidin, and diosmin--have also been found to lower your cholesterol levels.

Polenta is often used to substitute grains like pasta and rice, as it's lower in calories and is a source of complex carbohydrates. Because complex carbohydrates aren't broken down as quickly as simple carbohydrates, it's ideal for individuals watching their blood sugar levels.

Polenta is naturally low in fat and can be eaten as part of a heart-healthy diet. A person looking to reduce their saturated fat intake should cook polenta with water, plant milk, or broth instead of dairy milk, and avoid adding cheese or butter.

Polenta is high in protein and fiber, but compared to rice, pasta, or potatoes, it's much lower in calories and fat, yet still provides a source of complex carbs that are much-needed for energy. So, why not to try polenta out for your next meal?

Fortunately, there are little to no potential side effects of polenta. However, it is important to highlight that a diet on polenta alone without other fresh fruits, vegetables and other sources of nutrition is not recommended. This is because it has very minimal vitamins and minerals if eaten on its own.