Fruit pectin is a great way to help lower your cholesterol levels. It is a natural, soluble fibre in fruit that reduces the amount of bile reabsorbed in the intestines. When fiber interferes with absorption of bile in the intestines, the bile is excreted in the feces. To make up for this loss of bile, the liver makes more bile salts. The body uses cholesterol to make bile salts. So in order to obtain the cholesterol necessary to make more bile salts, the liver increases its production of LDL receptors. These receptors pull cholesterol out of LDL molecules in the bloodstream, and thus, more bile salts are made from the liver and more LDL cholesterol is pulled from the blood. It is also possible that one of the short-chain fatty acids produced by the fermentation of soluble fibre in the large intestines may inhibit the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver.
Ginger, too, has great effects on cardiovascular health, including the prevention of atherosclerosis, lowering cholesterol levels and preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped mango
- 1 cup chopped apple
- 1 knob ginger (4 inches or so)
- 1 cup young thai coconut water
- Optional: a couple dates to sweeten up
Blend the above ingredients in a high-speed blender & enjoy!
Source: Raw Edibles
