High cholesterol: Nutritionist reveals top prevention tips
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High cholesterol is a pernicious condition characterised by high levels of lipids circulating in the blood. These molecules are gradually deposited in the arterial walls, leading to the formation of plaque that prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart and brain. Fortunately, one popular beverage item is said to help lower levels.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for health benefits over a number of centuries.
It’s a type of vinegar that’s made from apple cider, which has been fermented to make probiotics and enzymes.
The fermentation process gives it significantly fewer sugars and calories.
There are at least 30 different health benefits to taking apple cider vinegar including its calorie-lowering capabilities.
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ACV has been claimed to get rid of “bad” LDL cholesterol, while also promoting “good” HDL cholesterol.
Supplementing with ACV could subsequently improve the health of your heart.
The compound in apple cider vinegar called pectin is said to be the cause for this positive effect.
In a study with the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, dietary acetic acid to reduce serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol in fats was analysed.
The study noted: “To investigate the efficacy of the intake of vinegar for prevention of hyperlipidaemia, we examined the effect of dietary acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, on serum lipid values in rats fed a diet containing cholesterol.
“Animals were allowed free access to a diet containing no cholesterol, a diet containing cholesterol without acetic acid, or a diet containing cholesterol with acetic acid for 19 days.
“Cholesterol feeding increased serum total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, compared with the cholesterol-fed group, the cholesterol and acetic acid-fed group had significantly lower values for serum total cholesterol and triacylglycerols.”
Medical News Today said: “Apple cider vinegar is common in food flavourings and preservatives.
“Some research suggests that it may also have several health benefits, including blood sugar control, weight management, and improved cholesterol.
“Some evidence suggests that taking apple cider vinegar could help lower both total cholesterol and triglycerides.
“A study investigated the effects of taking apple cider vinegar in people on a low-calorie diet.
“The researchers found that participants who took apple cider vinegar not only lost more weight than those who took a placebo but also had lower triglycerides and total cholesterol.”
Another study published in 2018 reported apple cider vinegar reduced total blood cholesterol, while raising levels of good (HDL) cholesterol in overweight or obese people.
One small-scale study found apple cider vinegar modestly lowered cholesterol in people whose levels were not an unhealthy level.
The scientists also tested malt vinegar but found it didn’t have the same effect.
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