This fruit contains antioxidants and fibre that may help to lower “bad” cholesterol levels
A commonly-found fruit available for just 95p could help lower cholesterol “in four weeks”. Medical experts have championed aubergine for its health-boosting qualities.
Elevated cholesterol develops when there’s too much of a fatty material called cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream. Prolonged high levels can lead to the hardening and constriction of arteries, heightening the likelihood of cardiac events and cerebrovascular incidents.
Our dietary choices play a significant role in managing cholesterol, with foods rich in saturated fats recognised for raising levels. That said, certain foods can produce the opposite outcome.
Whilst aubergines, sometimes referred to as eggplants, are prepared and eaten as vegetables, they’re technically 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 Heart UK, a charity focused on cardiovascular wellbeing, which praised the fruit for its fibre contribution. “It blocks some cholesterol from being absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream,” the organisation stated.
Research featured in the journal of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology revealed that aubergine consumption reduced cholesterol levels in rabbits in a mere four weeks. During the investigation, rabbits were divided into three separate groups.
Two cohorts received a diet enriched with cholesterol and coconut oil over four weeks, with one cohort additionally receiving 10ml of aubergine juice daily throughout the final fortnight. The study’s authors noted: “After four weeks, the E group rabbits had a significantly lower weight, plasma cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride and aortic cholesterol content than group H.”
They further explained: “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.”
Healthcare guidance suggests that a desirable total cholesterol reading should typically be five millimoles per litre (mmol/l) or lower.
Specifically, high-density lipoprotein levels should measure at one mmol/l or higher, whilst low-density lipoprotein readings should remain at four mmol/l or less. A blood test administered by your GP will be required to determine if your cholesterol levels are elevated.
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High cholesterol levels can additionally be attributed to insufficient physical activity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Cheryl recommended: “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. Those worried about their cholesterol levels are advised to consult their GP.