Mushrooms Reduce Bad Cholesterol Naturally!
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Mushrooms may help reduce cholesterol levels in several ways:
High in fiber: Mushrooms are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels. Fiber binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract and prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Rich in beta-glucans: Mushrooms contain beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Beta-glucans help prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream by binding to bile acids in the gut and promoting their excretion.
Low in fat and calories: Mushrooms are naturally low in fat and calories, which can help prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Rich in antioxidants: Mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants, which can help prevent oxidative damage to cholesterol molecules in the bloodstream. Oxidized cholesterol is more likely to stick to artery walls and contribute to the formation of plaques.
May inhibit cholesterol synthesis: Some types of mushrooms, such as shiitake mushrooms, contain compounds that may inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
May regulate cholesterol metabolism: Some studies suggest that consuming mushrooms may help regulate cholesterol metabolism in the body, potentially leading to lower cholesterol levels.
The Slovenian National Institute of Chemistry has determined that oyster mushrooms contain lovastatin, a natural statin which is also used to reduce cholesterol in medications. This chemical inhibits an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms contain eritadenine, which, as a study published in the Journal of Nutrition indicated, can also reduce cholesterol levels.
Mushrooms are rich in water-soluble fiber known as beta-glucans. The Marion Bessin Liver Research Center states that 95% of bile produced by the liver is absorbed in the intestine and is composed of cholesterol derivatives. Studies have revealed that by taking beta-glucans, cholesterol derivatives can be partly blocked from being reabsorbed. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology discovered that supplementing with beta-glucans can improve the effectiveness of statins and reduce the necessary dosage. Furthermore, beta-glucans have been observed to increase HDL levels and lower LDL levels which can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
A 2007 study conducted in Bangladesh observed that the consumption of oyster mushrooms was associated with a reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels among the participants.
Eating oyster mushrooms has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL) in rats with high cholesterol levels. In general, having high levels of the good cholesterol (HDL) is beneficial while having high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) can raise the risk of heart disease. This is because LDL can build up and narrow arteries, while HDL carries LDL away to the liver to be disposed of. Additionally, HDL may also help protect against damage to blood vessels.
Check this 2012 study .
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