If you’re looking for a delicious way to lower your cholesterol, this chickpea and lemon chicken soup recipe is the perfect option.

Chickpeas are high in soluble fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the bloodstream and preventing its absorption into the body. Lemon juice is also a great ingredient to include in your diet if you want to lower your cholesterol, as it contains compounds that have been shown to improve heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add the chickpeas and lemon juice and continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
4. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Health Benefits of Chickpeas and Lemon

Chickpeas are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They have been shown to improve blood sugar control, reduce inflammation, and promote weight loss.

One of the key benefits of chickpeas in regards to heart health is their high soluble fiber content. Soluble fiber has been shown to help reduce levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the bloodstream so that it can be excreted from the body.

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Lemons are another great ingredient to include in your diet if you want to improve your heart health and lower your cholesterol.

Lemons contain compounds called flavonoids, which have been shown to have antioxidant properties and improve blood vessel function. Additionally, the vitamin C found in lemons can help improve cholesterol levels by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol particles in the bloodstream.

Other Tips for Lowering Cholesterol

In addition to incorporating fiber-rich foods like chickpeas and heart-healthy ingredients like lemon into your diet, there are a few other lifestyle changes you can make to help lower your cholesterol:.

• Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid tobacco use.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.

By making these small changes to your lifestyle, you can significantly improve your heart health and lower your risk of heart disease.