Taking into account the repeated queries about food and plants capable of lowering cholesterol blood levels, I include a list of the most effective, but I insist that most of the work in humans report no higher than 25% decreases, after several weeks of continued use.
Most types of plant fibers have proved to lower cholesterol levels. Fiber is present in most fruits and vegetables.
Betaglucan is a soluble fiber apparently responsible for this activity. Barley (Hordeum vulgare), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and oat bran (Avena sativa) contain significant amounts of betaglucans.
Pectin is another soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol levels. Carrots (Daucus carota), apples (Malus domestica) and citrus skin or peel (Citrus spp) contain generous amounts of pectin.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradise) also contains pectin. Fruits should be eaten as such or blended with fiber. Fruits juice contains very little fiber.
Mucilage-containing plants, algae (several species), linseed(Linum usitatissimum), mallow roots and whole plant (Malva sylvestris),quince (Cydonia oblonga), lichens, certain fungi and many other vegetables contain mucilage, wtih lowering blood cholesterol levels properties.
Celery (Apium graveolens) has been shown to lower cholesterol in laboratory animals. No conclusive results on studies with human beings.
Garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) have been shown to lower cholesterol by about 10% in people who eat a clove of garlic or half an onion a day.
Phytosterols acts lowering blood cholesterol levels by direct activity, combines with free blood cholesterol and removing it from blood availabillity. Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) contain appreciable quantities. Many other plants as lettuce (Lactuca sativa), sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus),asparagus (Asparagus acutifolius), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var bothr.)figs (Ficus carica), soybean (Glycine max) and other contain important quantities of phytosterols.
Lentinan, a beta glucan from shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) in addition to many other properties has shown to reduce blood cholesterol in humans.
A more detailed explanation of cholesterol facts can be read in Doctor Herbie’s Blog
