Kapanlagi.com - High cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia is a condition that should be taken seriously, as it can trigger various chronic diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. Therefore, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood is a crucial step to maintaining overall body health.
However, lowering cholesterol is not just about exercise and a healthy diet. It turns out that there are several nutrient-rich drinks that can help control cholesterol levels naturally. Based on information gathered on Thursday (5/12), here are eight drinks that have been proven effective in lowering cholesterol and supporting your heart health. Ready to expand your knowledge and maintain your health? Let's take a look!
1. Green Tea, Natural Antioxidant for Cholesterol
Green tea, the refreshing drink rich in catechins, has proven to be a hero for our heart health! This antioxidant compound is known to be effective in lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. A study conducted in 2015 revealed that rats consuming catechins and epigallocatechin gallate experienced an impressive reduction in LDL levels, ranging from 14.4% to 30.4% after 56 days.
Not only that, green tea also plays an important role in improving overall heart health. However, to ensure these benefits in humans, further research is still needed. Meanwhile, black tea also provides positive effects, although its impact is not as strong as green tea. So, are you ready to brew a cup of green tea and support your heart?
2. Soy Milk, A Healthy Plant-Based Choice
Soy milk has now become a smart choice for those who want to maintain heart health and control cholesterol levels. In every cup (250 ml) of soy milk, you will only find 2 grams of fat and about 80 calories, making it a light and healthy option.
The protein found in soy is known to have an extraordinary ability to lower bad cholesterol, especially when consumed regularly. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming 25 grams of soy protein daily as part of a low saturated fat diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease. To achieve maximum benefits, make sure you choose unsweetened soy milk. So, ready to make soy milk your healthy companion?
3. Oat Milk, Rich in Beta-Glucan for Stable Cholesterol
Beta-glucan, a soluble fiber found in oats, plays an important role in maintaining normal cholesterol levels. A study in 2018 mentioned that oat milk is more consistent in lowering cholesterol compared to other oat products.
One glass of oat milk (250 ml) contains about 1 gram of beta-glucan, enough to support heart health. Choose unsweetened oat milk to optimize its benefits.
4. Tomato Juice, Rich in Healthy Lycopene
Tomatoes, the red fruit that is rich in benefits, contain lycopene—a magical compound that plays a role in lowering LDL levels and increasing healthy lipids in the body. Interestingly, a study revealed that by consuming 280 ml of tomato juice every day for two months, you can experience a significant reduction in cholesterol levels.
Not only that, the process of turning tomatoes into juice also increases the concentration of lycopene, making it more beneficial compared to consuming them in their raw form. So, are you ready to make tomato juice your healthy companion?
5. Berry Smoothie, A Delicious Blend Rich in Antioxidants
Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are not only delicious but also rich in anthocyanins—powerful antioxidants that can help lower bad cholesterol levels in the body. Not only that, the fiber contained in these fruits also plays an important role in maintaining our digestive health.
Want to try making a fresh and healthy smoothie? Just blend two handfuls of your favorite berries with half a cup of low-fat milk or unsweetened yogurt. If you prefer a thinner texture, add cold water to taste. Enjoy the deliciousness and benefits in one glass!
6. Sterol and Stanol-Based Drinks
Sterols and stanols are two magical compounds found in plants, similar to cholesterol. When we consume them, both work in a clever way: they block the absorption of cholesterol in our intestines.
To achieve optimal benefits, the FDA recommends a daily intake of about 1.3 grams of sterols and 3.4 grams of stanols. Nowadays, many producers are introducing exciting innovations by offering yogurt and milk drinks enriched with these compounds. So, enjoy freshness and health in every sip!
7. Chocolate Drink, Rich in Flavonoids for a Healthy Heart
Dark chocolate containing 75-80% cocoa is not only delicious but also a smart choice for your heart health! With its ability to increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL), this chocolate deserves to be your snack companion. The abundant flavonoid content in cocoa provides remarkable antioxidant benefits for the body.
A study conducted in 2015 showed that consuming a flavanol-rich cocoa drink twice a day for a month can positively impact lipid health. For optimal results, choose chocolate with low sugar content. So, enjoy dark chocolate wisely and experience its benefits!
8. Plant-Based Milk Smoothie, A Healthy and Delicious Combination
A smoothie made from soy milk or oat milk can be a smart choice for lowering your cholesterol. Just mix this plant-based milk with fresh fruits, such as bananas, to increase the fiber content and add delicious flavor. Besides being healthy, this drink also provides an optimal energy boost to support your daily activities. Happy trying!
9. Questions and Answers About Cholesterol-Lowering Drinks
What is the best drink to lower cholesterol?
Drinks such as green tea, soy milk, and tomato juice are known to be effective in naturally lowering cholesterol.
10. Is dark chocolate good for cholesterol?
Yes, dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids that help increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower LDL.
11. How much tomato juice should be consumed to lower cholesterol?
Consuming about 280 ml of tomato juice daily for two months can help lower cholesterol levels.
12. Is oat milk effective for lowering cholesterol?
Oat milk contains beta-glucans that help keep cholesterol levels stable.
(kpl/moy)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.