According to the experts at Zentrum-der-gesundheit.de, cholesterol has important tasks in the body such as cell tension, the production of bile acid, the production of some hormones (e.g. oestrogen, testosterone, cortisol) and the production of vitamin D.

Lowering cholesterol levels with the right food

At least 60 percent of Germans have high cholesterol levels. The blood fats build up on the walls of the blood vessels, the arteries calcify and the risk of stroke and heart attack increases. Important to know: Our body produces up to 90 percent of the fat molecule cholesterol itself - it needs it as a vital component of cell walls and for the production of certain hormones. The rest is absorbed through food. And for many people, this 10 percent is due to a poor diet! Consequently, in many cases you can counteract this with the right diet and lower your cholesterol levels again. It is important to find a balance so that there is neither too little nor too much cholesterol in the blood. Incidentally, high cholesterol levels do not only affect older people - today, more and more young people are also affected by eating too much fatty, unhealthy food.

These foods help to lower cholesterol levels

Nuts and almonds

The high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids actually lowers cholesterol levels. But: always go for the unsalted version!

Apples and carrots

They contain pectins. These fibers bind bile acids in the intestine. To form new bile acids, the liver needs cholesterol, which it now has to fish out of the body. Result: the level drops.

Oatmeal

Basically the same principle: the water-soluble fiber beta-glucan in oatmeal swells in the stomach and binds bile acids.

Grape juice

It has a lipid-lowering effect and also prevents diabetes. However, it is best to only buy juice without added sugar.

Vegetable oils

Olive oil in particular contains so-called sterols. These prevent cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestine. This keeps the fat level in the blood nice and low.

Garlic

Its allicin provides the typical smell, has a blood-thinning effect and lowers high blood lipid levels overall.

Wholemeal products

Fiber from wholemeal bread or wholemeal pasta helps very effectively against increased cholesterol levels.

Eggplants

The plant fibers and dietary fibers in the vegetable ensure that the fats in the blood are bound. The eggplant is also rich in vitamins.

Chickpeas

Peas contain so-called saponins. These substances bind cholesterol and thus lower the level. Most saponins are found in chickpeas.

Green tea

The catechins in green tea bind the fats in the blood. Just five grams a day brings cholesterol levels back to normal - but only after seven months.