Health experts have recommended eating this fruit to help lower cholesterol levels
A popular fruit costing just 95p could help lower cholesterol “in four weeks”. Experts have recommended eating aubergine for its health benefits.
Elevated cholesterol indicates an excess of a fatty compound called cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream. While not an immediate concern, prolonged high levels can lead to arterial stiffening and constriction, heightening the likelihood of cardiac events and cerebrovascular accidents.
Dietary choices play a significant role in cholesterol management, with foods rich in saturated fats recognised for raising levels. Conversely, certain foods can produce the opposite result.
Despite aubergines, alternatively referred to as eggplants, being prepared and eaten similarly to vegetables, they are botanically classified as fruits. Cheryl Lythgoe, matron at Benenden Health, explained to Express.co.uk: “Aubergines are a tasty vegetable which can easily be added to a lot of our favourite dishes.
“The vegetable has an antioxidant that may help to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol. Along with this, it is a great source of fibre and has various important nutrients which can support the immune system and brain function.”
This guidance is supported by cardiovascular health charity Heart UK, which advocated for the fruit owing to its fibre composition. “It blocks some cholesterol from being absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream,” it stated.
Research featured in the journal of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology found that aubergine consumption reduced cholesterol in rabbits in as little as four weeks. As part of the research, rabbits were split into three groups.
Two groups were fed a diet supplemented with cholesterol and coconut oil for four weeks, with one of these groups also being given 10 ml of aubergine juice a day during the last two weeks. Study authors wrote: “After four weeks, the E group rabbits had a significantly lower weight, plasma cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride and aortic cholesterol content than group H. “
They added: “In hypercholesterolemic rabbits egg plant juice significantly reduced weight, plasma cholesterol levels, aortic cholesterol content and the MDA concentrations in native-oxidized LDL and in the arterial wall and increased the endothelium-dependent relaxations.”
Medical guidance suggests that a safe total cholesterol reading should typically be five millimoles per litre (mmol/l) or below.
Specifically, high-density lipoprotein ought to measure one mmol/l or higher, whilst low-density lipoprotein should remain at four mmol/l or lower. Your GP will require a blood sample to determine whether your cholesterol is elevated.
Raised cholesterol can also be associated with insufficient physical activity, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. Cheryl explained: “Eat a healthy balanced diet with a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, and lean meat, and which is low in fatty food (especially those containing saturated or trans fats). Eat plenty of wholegrain cereals as well as pulses.
“These are high in soluble fibre, which helps to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol. Get or remain active. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) suggests 150 minutes of activity a week at a minimum, such as brisk walking or cycling.
“BHF says that being active can increase the level of ‘good cholesterol’ in your blood. It can also help lower your blood pressure and help you to maintain a healthy weight.”
At the time of publication, Tesco was selling aubergines for 95p each. Anyone worried about their cholesterol readings should consult their doctor.