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Scared of Statins? 5 Ways Chia Seeds Can Help You Lower Your Cholesterol |
By Emily Morris
 All you have to do is turn on the TV and youll know that millions of people have a cholesterol problem. Major drug companies cant seem to advertise their pharmaceuticals enough! However, if the idea of spending loads of money on prescriptions every month isnt something you enjoy, it might be time to look for another, healthier solution.
You might have also noticed that Statin Drugs have come under a negative light in some studies. Its known that they deplete body levels of Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) which is something your heart needs in order to function correctly. They can also deplete other critical nutrients from the body, and sometimes lower good cholesterol as well. Sure, you can supplement with Co-Q10 pills, but thats even more money out of your pocket! So aside from all the expense, do you really want to risk these negative effects?
The good news is, you can lower your cholesterol naturally, and inexpensively through food. You may have seen the claims on famous products like Cheerie-os and Quaker Oats , that soluble fiber combined with a low saturated
fat diet may reduce the risk of heart disease. Theres more to it then that, and its all beneficial to you!
A low fat diet is great, but you also need some pro-active cholesterol cleaners in your corner if you really want to beat down the threat of hardening arteries and cholesterol clogs. The key isnt to avoid all fats or cholesterol sources, because your body actually needs some to function properly. Its the ability to sweep away the bad and encourage the good that will lead to better health.
Your key to success can be the Chia Seed, but only if you take action.
How can tiny seeds youve never heard of put the brakes one such a big problem as cholesterol? There are so many ways, and you can examine each one in this article. Read exactly about how each fascinating facet benefits you:
First: Soluble Fiber
The exterior of the chia seed is covered in soluble fiber. But this isnt just any soluble fiber, like that of an oat or flax seed. The fiber of Chia is special, in that it can absorb NINE times the weight of the seed in water, and hold it close to the surface. When it does this, it forms a bead of gel, with the consistency of a gelatin snack. This gel isnt easily removed from the seed. It takes the digestive system a while to use and remove it, thus hydrating the colon and easing digestion.
Second: Insoluble fiber
Insoluble fiber cannot be digested or absorbed by the body. It is sometimes referred to as Roughage and acts as a sweeper in the intestines. When food doesnt sit around or become overly dry in the colon, toxic substances dont build up. Unfriendly bacteria doesnt get the chance to go to work. When insoluble fiber is taking up space in the digestive system, youre more likely to feel full for longer and thus not eat as much at meal time. Losing excess weight is another key to keeping cholesterol down.
Third: Unsaturated Fatty Acids
These may sound complicated, but theyre important for cell respiration (oxygen transported into cells), the lubrication and resilience of cells. Theres an especially important fatty acid that your body cant make. Its called Linoleic. You usually get this from raw plant-source foodsbut who gets enough of those these days? With Chia Seeds, you wont have to worry about it. Theyre rich in this important nutrient.
How are these important for your cholesterol? They combine with cholesterol in the body to form membranes that hold cells together. It puts cholesterol to good use, but only if you have enough of it to make the combination!
Fourth: Long-Chain triglycerides
These large molecules take a stand to scrub cholesterol off of artery walls, but only when eaten in the right proportions. Chia seeds have these long chain triglycerides in the right proportions to help reduce it for you.
Fifth: Risk Factors
Reducing or eliminating risk factors for high cholesterol is important as well. Some risk factors you cant do anything about, like heredity. But others such as obesity and diabetes you can help to control with Chia. (The soluble fiber in chia seeds helps control blood sugar levels by slowing down the transformation of carbohydrates into sugars)
Understanding that not all fats are bad, and taking in healthy oils is an important part of a balanced diet. There are so many delicious chia seed recipes, including breakfast bars, granola, fruit smoothies and more that adding this tiny seed to your diet is a snap.
What makes it extra amazing is, that unlike other health foods, you can make these seeds taste like whatever you want. They absorb any liquid theyre placed in, (Remember Fact #1) and distribute the flavor. They have no flavor of their own, so they cant cover up or ruin the taste of foods you love. Theyre as easy to use as measure & sprinkle on! No messy grinding or any preparation is needed.
With the chia seed, you get all the nutrition, and all the taste. Remember: You Are What You Eat so eating healthy is a big step toward being healthy. Chia isnt some foreign miracle-berry or fruit grown in a far off land and sold at a premium price either--these seeds cost under a dollar a day.
If youre looking for an all natural, pesticide free, delicious and EASY way to lower your cholesterol, consider adding chia seeds to your diet, youll be amazed at what they can do for you!
This article may be reprinted freely as long as this bio box & links are kept intact. This author is from http://www.mychiaseeds.com , & has written the 2 free Chia Seed Cook Books found there, as well as producing educational chia videos. With MySeeds Chia you not only get 2 free cook books but free shipping too!
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