Mushrooms Can Help Reduce Cholesterol
At Be Well 365 we’re all about getting our patients to a place of empowerment. That means in every part of their lives from knowing how their body responds to diet, exercise, medication, supplements, and so much more. One of the biggest areas where health inclined individuals can find empowerment is in the food choices they make. We believe that it’s important not simply to know that something is good for you, but to understand why it’s good for you. So, when you boil it down, it’s really knowledge that’s the goal. After all, knowledge is power, right? Today we are going to learn a bit about what makes mushrooms one of the best food you can add to your meals on a consistent basis. Taking the spotlight will be one of the most popular mushrooms – the Oyster mushroom.
Reducing Cholesterol & Triglycerides
Oyster mushrooms are a great addition to the diets of those dealing with obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. The reason why they are so beneficial is because they possess a special attribute called phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are the biological equivalent of commonly used pharmaceutical compounds called statins. Statins are found in many drugs used to control cholesterol.
In particular, oyster mushrooms are effective in helping reducing a types of lipids (fats) that lead to high blood pressure known as triglycerides. Having high levels of triglycerides can increase the chance of heart disease and heart attack. Triglyceride levels increase when an individual consumes more calories than their body uses for energy. These extra calories turn into triglycerides and then into fat cells. As these fat cells increase in number they begin to be stored in all of the unflattering places we try to eliminate fat from – thighs, bellies, arms, neck, etc.
It only takes a small change to make a lasting difference. Try adding mushrooms to your diet and experience the positive effects they can have on your overall health. Not really into mushrooms? That’s ok, find something with similar health benefits that also tastes good. Your path to health doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
:Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/triglycerides/art-20048186
