A sample of blood is taken to test for cholesterol – but now a fruit could lower levels (Image: Getty Images)
A green fruit commonly featured in soups might be a hidden ally in the fight against high cholesterol, a pharmacist has revealed. Cholesterol is a fatty substance naturally produced by our bodies and plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions.
Yet when levels rise too high, it can obstruct our blood vessels, restricting blood flow. This can result in severe health complications, including strokes and heart attacks.
Numerous factors can trigger a rise in cholesterol, including genetics, but lifestyle factors such as poor diet, insufficient exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption are the most frequent causes. While some individuals may require medication, cholesterol can also be controlled through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Reducing saturated fats, such as processed meats, cheese, butter and cakes, is recognised as helpful in lowering cholesterol, and the NHS advises boosting fruit and vegetable intake. One particular fruit has been highlighted for its potential advantages, as research indicates it can bind with cholesterol during digestion.
Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist, has explained the potential health benefits of okra. This flowering plant, native to East Africa and frequently used as a vegetable in cooking, could play a role in reducing cholesterol, he explained. “Some studies have suggested that okra, also known as lady’s fingers, may help lower cholesterol levels,” he explained. “It is commonly used in soups and stews and a thick, gel-like substance found in okra, called mucilage, can bind with cholesterol during digestion so it is passed from the body.”
He went on to say: “Studies conducted on mice showed lower blood cholesterol levels after they were fed a high-fat diet containing okra powder.”
The research Abbas referenced was published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry in 2014.
The study found that when obese mice were given the fruit, both their cholesterol and blood sugar levels decreased. “Our results indicate that okra may serve as a dietary therapy for hyperglycaemia [high blood sugar] and hypertriglyceridemia- [high levels of fat in the blood],” the study concluded.
Okra is also “rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease”, Abbas noted. He did warn, however, that people with diabetes “should be cautious when adding more okra into their diets, as it can also interfere with metformin, a medication often used to treat type 2 diabetes”.
Harvard Medical School has recognised okra as one of 11 foods capable of helping to reduce low-density lipoprotein, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol, owing to its “low calorie” profile and rich soluble fibre content. The NHS website highlights that high cholesterol typically presents no symptoms, with a blood test being the sole means of detection.
If you have any worries regarding your cholesterol levels, consulting your GP is recommended.
- High cholesterol is when you have too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood.
- You’re more likely to get high cholesterol if you’re over 50, a man, you’ve been through the menopause, or you’re of South Asian or sub-Saharan African origin. It can also run in families.
- It can also be caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol.
- You can lower your cholesterol by eating healthily and getting more exercise. Some people also need to take medicine.
- Too much cholesterol can block your blood vessels. It makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke.
- High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.
For additional information on high cholesterol from the NHS, follow this link.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
