Kick High Cholesterol to the Curb with Sterol and Stenol-Enriched Foods

At Magnolia Place, we don’t take cholesterol (or womens nutrition Greenville NC in general) lightly. High cholesterol can lead to complications that can increase the likelihood that you could have a heart attack or stroke at any given moment in your life, no matter your age. Cholesterol is said to be a “silent killer.” You cannot look at someone and see this killer lurking and wreaking havoc on their body nor can someone feel it happening as there are no symptoms to feel.  Truthfully, it is a situation of you are fine until you are not. There are cholesterol disorders that you inherit from your family and others that develop over time by the nature and nurture of your daily nutrition.

It is sometimes hard to decide the exact cause but we also encourage you to assess your environment and daily habits closely. It can be as innocent as those comfort recipes in your family dinner that may have been handed down from generation to generation that are comforting to you but ultimately a culprit. We do not believe in deprivation and everyone should enjoy their family’s cooking and do so in moderation. Eating healthy does not mean you never have that indulgent treat at your favorite event. It is really about content and consistency over time that can balance all worlds. You may have likely heard of the saying “You are what you eat,” but we would like to add it is also about how much you eat. We would argue if you find the balance in your daily nutrition, you can stamp out this silent killer that plagues so many.

You might feel overwhelmed if you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol. However, our women’s health team OBGYN Greenville, wants you to know that there is good news! There are certain foods that you can add to your daily intake that can help you lower your cholesterol levels naturally and safely. Sterol and Stanol-enriched foods are a great starting point to help kick high cholesterol to the curb. Let’s learn more about this powerful food group!

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What are plant sterols and stanols?

Plant sterols and stanols are compounds found naturally in vegetable oils, nuts, grains, fruits, and vegetables. They work by blocking cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream from dietary sources – meaning they help reduce total cholesterol levels in the body. Both sterols and stanols have been proven to be effective at lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels when eaten as part of a healthy diet. Still confused about how these two compounds work? No worries. Our team at Magnolia Place, who believes in a strong focus on nutrition in womens nutrition Greenville NC, can help break them down during your consult.

How do I add sterol and stanol-enriched foods to my diet?

One of the first questions for our women's healthcare Greenville NC team is: how do I fit these into my daily meals? Believe it or not, many food products now come enriched with plant sterols or stanols – including margarine, dressings, yogurt drinks, milk alternatives, cereals, protein bars, and more. By switching out some of your regular grocery items for these enriched products can make a seamless and powerful step for you and your family – such as choosing a margarine spread instead of butter – you can start incorporating more plant sterols and stanols into your diet today! Our womens nutrition Greenville NC offices also suggest eating whole foods like almonds, avocados, olive oil, and apples can also provide natural sources of these compounds.  For those that need a quick snack, keeping nuts on hand is not only nutritious but helps ward off falling prey to old habits. Here is another great link for a list of foods to peruse and see what you may already eat and others to consider expanding your palate!

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What results can I expect?

When added to a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats - including sterol-enriched foods - it is possible to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by up to ten percent, that’s right! 10%, within two months. It's important to remember that while adding these products to your diet is beneficial for overall health – reducing your LDL cholesterol levels may not be achieved until several weeks or months have passed! Remember Ladies, our mantra at Magnolia Place is “CONSISTENCY OVER TIME” and your timeline and pace are your own. Our womens nutrition Greenville NC professionals want to emphasize that everybody is different. It may take you slightly longer to achieve your goals than others and vice versa. The important thing to remember is that you will get there! Take it day by day, and follow your instructions from our Greenville women’s wellness center. Your results will come! Once achieved, maintaining those results will be easier.
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Magnolia Place | Womens Nutrition Greenville NC‍

Clean eating and your cholesterol levels are still high? Our womens nutrition Greenville NC experts can help! Making just a few simple swaps in your grocery routine can help lower cholesterol levels over time. Of course, it's always important to remember that any dietary change should be combined with other lifestyle habits like regular exercise for maximum benefit — but don't let that stop you from giving this simple switch a try.

At Magnolia Place, we’re more than just an OBGYN office OBGYN Greenville. Our whole-body, membership model and approach to women’s health affords a sustainable community where women support each other and thrive. If you’re ready to empower yourself with the knowledge that will change your life, join Magnolia Place today. Your future heart will thank you! To learn more about our Greenville women’s wellness center, visit our website.

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