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5 Pulses to Avoid if You Have High Cholesterol
High Cholesterol Diet: Cholesterol is a waxy-fatty substance that is usually found in the cells of the body. Used in the making of new cells and hormones, cholesterol plays a crucial role in keeping the body healthy. However, having too much cholesterol (especially bad LDL cholesterol), can leave your body suffering from serious health conditions, including heart attack and stroke. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high cholesterol contributes to one-third of ischemic heart disease cases globally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that nearly 38% of adults in the United States have high cholesterol, which significantly elevates their risk of heart-related complications.
High cholesterol is a lifestyle condition and only properly regulated lifestyle routines can help fight the issue -- this includes healthy and workout routines. When it comes to diet, one must switch to whole grains, pulses, seasonal fruits, and vegetables to maintain healthy LDL counts in the blood.
Although pulses are a healthy addition to your diet for an overall health check and cholesterol management, not all pulses are good for those with high cholesterol levels. In this article, we give you quick guidance on which all pulses you should completely eliminate from your diet routine when dealing with high LDL cholesterol problems.
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Have you been diagnosed with high cholesterol levels? Here are the top 5 pulses that you must remove from your daily diet routine to keep your heart healthy and prevent high cholesterol spikes:
With high cholesterol, one must avoid adding chickpeas to their daily diet routine. These pulses are rich in carbohydrates which may lead to an increase in triglycerides, a type of fat linked to high cholesterol.
The next one in the line is masoor daal or red lentils. These highly protein-rich pulses have a relatively high glycemic index (GI) compared to other legumes, which can lead to increased blood sugar and triglycerides. Masoor daal is also rich in purines which causes high uric acid (in the long run this problem can also contribute to high cholesterol levels).
Another pulse that is a big NO for those with high cholesterol levels is black gram, also known as urad dal. Studies have shown that whole urad dal contains a higher fat content compared to other lentils, with a small proportion of saturated fats, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels. This daal is also known for causing spikes in insulin levels which can also contribute to high cholesterol count.
Soybeans are rich in protein, but they are not advisable for those with high cholesterol levels, why? This plant-based protein source contains omega-6 fatty acids, which can potentially trigger severe heart health problems.
Rajma chawal is a staple lunch menu for most Indians, but is this good for those with high cholesterol levels? No! Studies have shown that kidney beans contain high levels of lectins which may interfere with fat metabolism and digestion -- leading to cholesterol issues.
Therefore, even though, pulses are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, certain types may not be suitable for individuals with high cholesterol due to their high carbohydrate content, fat profile, or antinutrients. If you are managing high cholesterol levels, it is essential to be mindful of your pulse consumption and opt for heart-healthy alternatives.
High cholesterol is a lifestyle health condition - which means what you eat, and do throughout the day is what decides your LDL levels. In case you are diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, make sure to eat heart-healthy foods, control your stress levels, engage in regular activities, keep blood pressure under control and most importantly never ignore any of the signs associated with the condition.