Short Answer: Almonds are good for high cholesterol because they contain unsaturated fat and other nutrients that can improve lipid levels and prevent oxidative damage.
In high cholesterol, your body builds up too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood.
This can lead to various health problems, such as heart attack and stroke.
One of the key factors in managing high cholesterol is diet.
What you consume can affect your lipid levels, which are the types of fat in your blood.
Almonds are high in unsaturated fat, which is a type of fat that does not increase the risk of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol.
In moderation, the American Heart Association (AHA) note that unsaturated fats may improve a person’s blood cholesterol status.
To effectively manage high cholesterol, you should consume almonds and other nuts and seeds like walnuts and peanuts.
These foods contain nutrients that may help boost or maintain levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol.
The AHA advises people to consume around 45 grams (g) a day of almonds to protect heart health.
Now, almonds are a great source of fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
These nutrients play critical roles in many bodily functions, like energy production, cell growth and immune function.
Furthermore, almonds are a plant-based food and plant-based foods are good for high cholesterol because they contain less saturated fat and more antioxidants than animal-based foods.
Antioxidants can help stop the oxidization process that causes cholesterol to clog the arteries.
That’s why I suggest you limit your almond intake to 45 grams a day to minimize the side effects with reasons.
Stick to no more than 30 grams a day to avoid excess calories and fat.
Also, you shouldn’t eat almonds if you have allergies or sensitivities to them or other nuts.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing high cholesterol effectively.
I always recommend my high cholesterol patients to follow a heart-healthy diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.