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Some say garlic can control high blood lipids. Does that sound a bit incredible to you? In order to help everyone understand this statement more intuitively and to make medical popularization more vivid and interesting, we will combine some clinical cases to narrate in the form of stories. This approach is not only easy to understand but also arouses everyone’s curiosity.
During a gathering with friends, Lao Yu heard a friend mention that his relative, troubled by high blood lipids, found that by regularly consuming garlic, his lipid levels had significantly improved. This topic immediately piqued everyone’s interest. Lao Yu thought, if such a simple method is indeed effective, wouldn’t many people benefit from it?
However, Lao Yu is a cautious person and doesn’t easily believe hearsay information. Therefore, he decided to consult a doctor for a more in-depth explanation. At the hospital, after hearing his inquiry, the doctor smiled and gave him a detailed explanation.
The doctor said that garlic has long been regarded as a healthful food and some of its components do indeed have a certain control effect on blood lipids.
The main hero is allicin in garlic, which can help lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) in the blood, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol). This not only helps control blood lipids but also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
However, the doctor also emphasized that although garlic does have these benefits, it is not a cure-all. For controlling high blood lipids, other lifestyle adjustments are also necessary, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet.
The doctor advised Lao Yu that if he really wants to use garlic as an adjunct treatment for high blood lipids, it is best to do so under the guidance of a doctor and also be careful not to overdo it, as some other components of garlic may cause irritation to the stomach.
Furthermore, the doctor mentioned that the antioxidants in garlic can also help resist free radicals in the body, protecting blood vessel walls from damage. This is beneficial for preventing vascular problems such as atherosclerosis. Hearing this, Lao Yu suddenly felt enlightened that garlic hides so many secrets.
As Lao Yu left the hospital, he pondered whether he should try such a good thing. He also thought about whether there are other simple and effective foods, besides garlic, that he could add to his diet.
Through this consultation, Lao Yu not only learned how to scientifically view some “folk remedies” but also gained a deeper understanding of how to better manage his own health. He decided to start paying more attention to these easily accessible health tips in daily life from today onwards, while also continuing to learn and explore more health knowledge.
Apart from garlic, what other everyday fruits and vegetables can help us control high blood lipids? From a slightly different perspective, let’s introduce several food items that you may not have paid much attention to but are very helpful for lipid control.
Sweet potatoes are not only rich in dietary fiber but also contain abundant potassium, both of which have good effects on lowering blood lipids. Dietary fiber can help reduce cholesterol absorption, while potassium can help regulate the body’s electrolyte balance, thus helping to control blood pressure and indirectly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
If you can eat sweet potatoes moderately every day, not only can you enjoy their sweetness but also help your body maintain a healthier lipid levels.
Apples contain a special fiber called pectin, which in our intestines can bind with cholesterol, reducing their absorption. Additionally, apples are rich in antioxidants, which can protect our blood vessels from damage caused by oxidized bad cholesterol.
This means that eating apples regularly can not only help control blood lipids but also prevent cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Just think, having an apple a day might really keep the doctor away.
Oats contain beta-glucan, an effective soluble fiber for lowering LDL (also known as “bad” cholesterol). In the intestines, this fiber forms a gel-like substance that binds with bile acids in the small intestine. This process is very helpful for controlling cholesterol levels.
These bile acids are originally used to help digest and absorb fats, but after being captured by oats, they are excreted with the feces, thereby reducing the cholesterol level in the body. Oats can be eaten for breakfast, as oatmeal or oat porridge, both of which are good choices for controlling blood lipids.
Let’s look at legumes, especially black beans. Black beans contain abundant plant sterols and soluble fiber, both of which are natural cholesterol regulators.
Plant sterols have a structure similar to cholesterol, and they can competitively inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in our digestive system, helping to lower cholesterol levels in our blood. Regular consumption of black beans, whether in soup or tofu form, can effectively help us control blood lipids.
Although these foods help control blood lipids, we must remember that no food is a substitute for medicine. They cannot replace medical treatment. If you have high blood lipids, it is best to manage them under the advice of a doctor, combining healthy eating and adequate exercise.
What are your thoughts on using garlic to control blood lipids? Feel free to discuss in the comments section!
Reference:
[1] Chen Shuangshuang. Research on the Influence of Diet Structure on the Health Status of Chinese Elderly People, Journal of Shandong Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2016-09-15
