Discover how to use almonds to naturally lower your cholesterol

1. Almonds Naturally Lower Cholesterol
Nuts have gotten a bad rap. Many people believe that eating nuts will add unwanted fat
to their diet. Research proves that consuming almonds and other nuts daily can have
health benefits.
Research shows that almonds can reduce cholesterol levels as much as statin drugs. In
fact, the Mayo Clinic lists nuts among it’s Top Five Foods to Lower Your Numbers.
Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats the same type of health-promoting fats
found in olive oil, which are health-promoting fats. They contain high amounts of vitamin
E, anexcellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to prevent damage from free
radicals and reduce the risk of heart disease. Almonds are also high in magnesium,
which helps to improve blood flow. All of these benefits add up to one tasty and healthy
treat.
According to a study published by the University of Toronto, 2.5 ounces of almonds per
day can lower your blood cholesterol by up to 12 percent. In a three-month study of 27
patients with an average high-cholesterol level of 260 milligrams per deciliter of blood,
researchers found that eating 2.5 ounces of raw (2 small fistfuls), unblanched almonds
a day, led to a significant reduction in cholesterol.
Yes, it is true that nuts are high in calories. The good news is that you’ll benefit from just
a handful. Just make sure the nuts aren’t salted or coated with sugar. To receive the
most benefit from almonds it is best to eat then raw and whole.
To avoid eating too many nuts and gaining weight, use them sparingly and replace
foods high in saturated fat with nuts. For example, instead of using cheese, meat or
croutons in your salad, add a handful of almonds.
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