Including certain plant-based foods and one animal-derived product in the diet can help lower cholesterol levels. Dietitian Joana Lucyk from the University of Brasília shared this in an interview with Terra.
According to her, nuts, avocados, cold-pressed olive oil, chia seeds, macadamia nuts, pistachios, flaxseeds, and fish have a positive effect. These foods are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, including oleic acid and omega-3s. They also contain dietary fiber, which reduces cholesterol absorption in the intestines.
Lucyk emphasized that salmon, in addition to omega-3s, provides the body with potassium and magnesium, which help normalize blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The doctor reminded that cholesterol is part of the cell membranes of all animals and humans. This fat-like substance plays an important role in regulating cell functions—without it, the body would not be able to synthesize bile acids, vitamin D, and certain hormones.
The expert clarified that high cholesterol levels are considered dangerous, as this condition increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Excess cholesterol is often caused by too many simple carbohydrates, saturated fats, and trans fats in the diet.
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