![]() The quantity of fiber in the diet also influences the cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol can be lowered by taking diets rich in fibers. The most important sources of dietary fiber are unprocessed wheat bran, whole cereals such as barley, wheat, rice, rye; legumes such as carrot, beet, potato, and turnips; fruits like mango and guava and green vegetables such as cabbage, lady's finger, lettuce and celery. Oat bran is in particular advantageous in lowering LDL cholesterol. Lecithin, also a fatty food substance and the most abundant of the phospholipids, is extremely valuable in case of increase in cholesterol level. It has the ability to break up cholesterol into small particles which can be effortlessly handled by the system. With adequate intake of lecithin, cholesterol cannot build up against the walls of the arteries and veins. It also increases the production of bile acids made from cholesterol, thus reducing its amount in the blood. ![]() Regular exercise also plays a significant part in lowering LDL cholesterol and in raising the level of protective high density lipoproteins (HDL). It also promotes circulation and helps maintain the blood flow to every part of the body. Jogging or brisk walking, swimming, bicycling and playing badminton are excellent forms of exercise. Yoga asanas are greatly favourable as they help increase perspiratory activity and stimulate sebaceous glands to effectively secrete accumulated or excess cholesterol from the muscular tissue. Asanas like ardha matsyaendrasana, salabhasana, padmasana and vajrasana are useful in lowering blood cholesterol by increasing systemic activity. Hydrotherapy can be effectively employed in reducing surplus cholesterol. Cold hip baths for ten minutes taken twice every day have proved beneficial. Steam baths are also helpful apart from patients suffering from hypertension and other circulatory disorders. Mud packs, applied over the abdomen improve digestion and assimilation. They improve the functioning of the liver and other digestive organs and activate kidneys and the intestines to encourage better excretion. |