High levels of cholesterol are a major health concern in today’s world. The condition is prevalent among people of all ages and has been linked with several chronic conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

While medication is commonly used to treat high cholesterol levels, recent research indicates that consuming two apples a day may be a more effective way of reducing cholesterol levels. In this article, we look at the reasons why two apples a day may be better than medication for high cholesterol.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced by the liver and is found in the blood and cells of our bodies. It plays an essential role in the formation of cell membranes, hormones, and several other vital bodily functions.

However, high levels of cholesterol can result in the formation of plaque in the arteries, leading to several chronic conditions and diseases.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol levels can be caused by several factors, including genetics, dietary choices, and lifestyle habits. Some of the dietary habits that can cause high cholesterol include:.

Consumption of foods high in saturated and trans fats
Eating processed and junk foods
Consuming excess calories
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

Why Apples are Effective in Reducing Cholesterol

Apples are an excellent source of several essential nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in calories and contain antioxidants, which can help prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Apples contain two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble, both of which have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol in the digestive system, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, helps to eliminate cholesterol from the body.

According to research, consuming two apples a day can lower LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 16%.

In addition, apples contain polyphenols, which are natural compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.

Why Medication May Not be the Best Solution

While medication may be effective in lowering cholesterol levels, it can come with several side effects, including muscle pain, liver damage, and digestive problems.

In addition, medication for high cholesterol can be expensive, and not everyone can afford it.

Furthermore, medication only treats the symptoms of high cholesterol and does not address the root causes of the condition.

By contrast, consuming two apples a day can not only reduce cholesterol levels but can also improve overall health by providing essential nutrients that are beneficial to the body.

Other Benefits of Eating Apples

Eating apples has several additional health benefits, including:.

Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes
Improving digestion and preventing constipation
Reducing the risk of stroke
Boosting the immune system
Lowering the risk of several types of cancer

In Conclusion

High cholesterol levels are a major health concern in today’s world, and medication is commonly used to treat the condition. However, recent research indicates that consuming two apples a day can be a more effective way of reducing cholesterol levels.

Apples are an excellent source of several essential nutrients and contain natural compounds that can reduce inflammation and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries. In addition, consuming apples is an affordable and safe way of improving overall health and reducing the risk of chronic conditions.