We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: oatmeal is an important part of a well-balanced diet. There are many health benefits of oatmeal that make it a great choice for your daily diet, including the fact that it can help lower your cholesterol.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a kind of fat found in your blood. You need cholesterol, and it’s found in every cell in your body because it helps your organs to function. You just don’t want too much of it because it can start to clog your blood vessels, which can eventually lead to all kinds of problems.
There’s actually two types of cholesterol. HDL and LDL. LDL, or low-density lipoproteins, is the bad kind of cholesterol. HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, is the good stuff. LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the blood, while HDL carries it from the blood to the liver, where the liver breaks it down. The liver is able to break it down, which is why it’s the good one.
Ways to Lower Cholesterol
When it comes to cholesterol, the goal is to increase the amount of HDL and lower the amount of LDL. One big way to lower your bad cholesterol is to decrease the intake of fatty foods, especially red meat. Beef and other red meat are responsible for a lot of the clogged arteries and high cholesterol in older adults. However, cutting out the foods increasing the LDL is not always the only way to lower cholesterol. Omega-3 pills, fiber and soy can also help to lower cholesterol levels. Having a heart-healthy breakfast can also be a step in the right direction.
Does Oatmeal Lower Cholesterol?
So does oatmeal lower cholesterol? Yes, it can help to lower your cholesterol, and even the FDA supports this claim. That's because a healthy diet with lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains (oatmeal) can help to lower your LDL level. Oatmeal in particular has been proven to have a significant effect on lowering LDL. That being said, if you’re loading your oatmeal with all kinds of unhealthy foods like butter and sugar it won’t have the same effect.
Oats Overnight!
Oats Overnight is packed with protein, is low in sugar, and is super easy to make! Plus, there are different flavors to choose from. All you have to do is add some milk or milk alternative, and let them chill in the fridge overnight. Or if you’re really in a hurry, just mix them together and eat them right away! Oats Overnight also offers great gluten-free and dairy free options to help lower cholesterol. Check out our selection.
