Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the body and is also naturally present in certain foods. When found in excess, it can take up space in the arteries, narrowing them and constricting blood flow. There are two types of cholesterol: HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). The latter is harmful and gets deposited in the bloodstream, increasing the heart disease risk. Below are five foods to lower cholesterol levels in the body. Oats Oats are a great staple food option for cholesterol as they are packed with soluble fiber. Research shows that soluble fiber helps reduce LDL cholesterol by preventing it from getting absorbed into the bloodstream. Individuals can eat oats for breakfast and even other meals by mixing different fruits. Besides oats, other food options rich in soluble fiber include kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, and pears. Avocados Apart from being a great spread, avocados help improve LDL levels because they have monounsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, avocados are considered heart-healthy when combined with options like whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat chips, or when used with raw vegetables. Fish Fatty fish like mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce triglycerides – a type of fat in the blood.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in our body that settles in the arteries. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL or low-density lipoprotein and HDL or high-density lipoprotein. Out of the two, LDL is bad, while HDL is good as it helps in excreting excess cholesterol from the body. Here are some foods that you should exclude from your nutritional regime to maintain good cholesterol health for a healthy life. Fried foods All fried foods are known to have trans fat, which can be harmful to your health and also increase the risk of getting heart disease. The consumption of fried foods has also been linked to increased risk of diabetes and obesity. Foods like deep-fried meats and cheese sticks should be avoided due to their high cholesterol content. Fast food Consuming too much fast food has been linked with an increased risk of several chronic diseases, including heart illness, diabetes, and even obesity. It is observed that those who consume fast food very often are known to have irregular sugar levels, higher levels of inflammation, and visible belly fat. Even with exercise, it is important to consume a nutritious meal instead of fried and fast food. Desserts Having a sweet tooth has some disadvantages, including risking your cholesterol levels.

Depression is a mood disorder that can get serious if it’s not treated in time. It can lead to symptoms that affect how one may think, feel, or how they handle daily activities like eating, working, or sleeping. Along with treatments for depression, there are certain foods that one can consume to get relief from the symptoms of depression. These foods also help improve a person’s overall health. Listed below are five such foods. Berries Berries like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries are foods that contain high quantities of antioxidants. According to a study, patients who were treated for two years with antioxidants had lower depression scores. These antioxidants are also known to prevent other illnesses and cancer. Walnuts Walnuts are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support brain function and alleviate the symptoms of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids also contain other properties that can significantly help improve a person’s overall condition. Dark Leafy Greens Dark leafy greens are one of the healthiest foods you can eat to improve your overall health. They are rich in immune-boosting and anticancer properties such as vitamins A, C, E, and K; phytochemicals; and other minerals. Avocados Avocados are known as power foods because they are rich in healthy fats needed by the brain to function properly.

Depression is a state of mind where one experiences extreme sadness and aloofness. This is characterized as a mental health illness and needs professional guidance. Going to therapy and taking medications, if prescribed, is the best way to cope with this illness. However, it is also important to look into other factors like lifestyle and nutrition. To help you, here are some foods to avoid when dealing with depression as they cause anxiety. Sugar According to studies, it is observed that having too much of sugar can cause inflammation in the body and brain. It was also observed that this inflammation is usually 30% higher in those suffering with depression. While our body may crave sugar when we’re feeling low and give an instant rush, the blood sugar crash followed by this is what destabilizes the mood. It also has an effect on energy. It is advised to maintain a healthy blood sugar level to deal with depression. Trans fats These are bad fats found in fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, fried calamari, and fried cheese sticks. According to studies, consumption of trans fats worsen depression symptoms. Apart from being bad for mental health, these foods are also responsible for clogging arteries and increasing the risk of heart diseases.

Seizures are characterized by sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. Studies suggest that there are ways to manage seizures. These include making certain changes in eating habits and lifestyle. Just like doing regular exercise is vital for overall well-being, a wholesome, nutrient-dense healthy food regimen is essential for the proper functioning of the body. This article lists those foods that can help decrease the intensity, frequency, and duration of seizures. Fluids like water Hydration is key to staying well and managing seizures better. Having the right amount of fluids, especially water, is said to have a great impact on the health and lifestyle of patients that experience seizures. Additionally, it is also a crucial part of a balanced and nourishing meal regimen. Keeping well-hydrated ensures that the body and blood have enough nutrients and oxygen to carry out their day-to-day functions and transfer nutrients to the brain and body without delay. Healthy fat sources like nuts Healthy fats or mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids found in avocados and fish are responsible for the increase in the amount of healthy or HDL levels in the body. Having enough healthy fats is crucial, as they play an important part in the production and distribution of micronutrients, vitamins, as well as various hormones in the body.

Allergies are characterized by the immune system’s abnormal reaction to harmless foreign substances like latex, pollen, and certain foods. Food allergies are quite common, making it difficult for some to enjoy a whole palate of ingredients. Fortunately, many get tested early on to understand what foods they are allergic to and even get medical help. Some develop these allergies quite later on in life. Here are some common food allergies to look out for. Common food allergies Peanuts This is one of the most common food allergies. One can expect typical allergic symptoms like rashes, hives, and swelling of the throat. However, the symptoms might be severe and cause an anaphylaxis reaction. Several people develop a peanut allergy early, so it is essential to speak to a doctor about managing it. Shellfish A protein called tropomyosin, found in marine animals, particularly shellfish like scallops, lobsters, crayfish, shrimps, and prawns, can trigger allergic reactions in some. Other proteins like arginine kinase and myosin found in these shellfish are also responsible for triggering an allergic reaction, leading to rashes, swelling, hives, or vomiting. There is no way to cure this, so the best way to manage its symptoms is for one to eliminate it from their food regimen.

The bones in our body are living tissues that continuously move and repair on their own. As you age, the rate of repair becomes slow, leading to osteoporosis. This is a condition in which bone quality and density reduce. If you’re looking to prevent or slow the effect of osteoporosis, exercise and some changes in your daily meals go a long way. Take a look at early signs and foods that help relieve osteoporosis. Early signs One of the earliest signs of osteoporosis is a fracture of your wrist, back, hip, or any other bone due to mild trauma caused by a minor trip or fall. A bone injury from a previous fall can result in future fractures when you develop osteoporosis. A loss of height, change in posture, back pain, and a stooped posture are also early signs of osteoporosis. Foods to manage osteoporosis Eggs Eggs are a great source of vitamin D, essential for bone health. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that forms on your skin after it’s exposed to the UV rays of the sun. It is vital for calcium absorption and the functioning of bone cells. Other foods rich in vitamin D are salmon, mackerel, tuna fish, fortified milk, beef liver, pork, and cheese.

Nasal polyps are soft non-cancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passage and around the sinuses. These polyps commonly develop due to inflammation that is triggered by infections, allergies, or certain immune disorders. There are many treatments, both prescription and over-the-counter, available for dealing with these polyp growths. In addition, certain foods and the following home remedies can also help provide relief in the long run. Best foods for congestion relief Garlic and ginger Garlic helps reduce inflammation and eases the nasal passage while boasting immune properties to fight off infections. Ginger is also rich in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial in treating nasal polyps. Both spices can be included in daily cooking or can be used to make tea. Chilies Chilies are rich in capsaicin, an active compound that can help relieve pain and dilate blood vessels. The heat from this spice improves breathing by opening up nasal passages and helps loosen the mucous to clear out the sinus cavity. These subtle changes can help combat the discomforts linked to nasal polyps. Turmeric and cayenne pepper Turmeric contains curcumin, one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds found in nature. In addition to this, cayenne pepper is a rich source of vitamins, flavonoids, potassium, and beta carotene, all effective in countering inflammation flare-ups and help reduce the risk of allergies with nasal polyps.

Respiration is one of the most crucial functions that is enabled by the lungs in the human body. The lungs are made up of millions of spongy air sacs that absorb and store oxygen. But this function can suffer due to lung disease, disorders, or even chronic ailments. Some can be cured, while others can only be managed with treatments, prescriptions, and healthy changes in lifestyle. Including these foods can also promote overall lung health. Bananas Studies reveal that supplementing the body with potassium naturally helps improve lung function and increases its respiratory capacity. It also helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the risk of water retention to improve overall lung function. Bananas are the richest source of potassium, easy to include in daily foods, and inexpensive to consume daily. Apples An apple a day will keep respiratory problems at bay. Quercetin is one of the key antioxidants found in apples that help reduce cell damage and prevents healthy lung tissue from deteriorating. Studies reveal that eating four to five apples during the week even helps repair the damaged tissues resulting from smoking or exposure to pollutants in the air. Beetroot The green elements and roots of beetroot vastly improve the functioning of one’s lungs.

The prostate gland is one of the crucial organs in the reproduction system that produces and provides fluid to protect the sperm. However, advancing age, family history, even certain vitamin or mineral deficiencies can trigger prostate problems, thereby affecting its function. Fortunately, it is possible to maintain a healthy prostate by making lifestyle changes and including some nutrient-dense foods in the meal regimen. Here are the top foods that keep the prostate healthy. Foods to eat Sesame seeds Those with lower levels of zinc in their body are at a high risk of developing prostate problems. Sesame seeds are a rich source of this mineral. It is better to include the seeds in one’s meals, as the body can absorb these nutrients better than zinc supplements. You add sesame seeds to soups, salads, and dips. Leafy greens Green vegetables are loaded with antioxidants, phytochemicals, essential vitamins, and minerals, making them one of the top foods for a healthy prostate. These compounds help lower the inflammation in the prostate. Cruciferous vegetables also reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, Bok choy, and cauliflower are excellent choices to add to one’s meals. Fruits like berries Tomatoes are rich in a compound called lycopene, essential for a healthy prostate.