Is it possible to naturally lower cholesterol levels?

According to Heart UK, six out of every 10 people in Britain have abnormal levels of cholesterol in their blood. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that’s found in all the cells of your body. It plays an important role in the synthesis of hormones, vitamin D and other substances that help you digest food.

You’d be surprised to learn that your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. This means excess consumption of animal products with saturated fats and processed foods with trans fats will raise your cholesterol levels. Increased levels of cholesterol contribute to fat buildup in arteries that exposes you to heart attacks and strokes.

So is it possible to naturally lower your cholesterol levels? Absolutely! Typically, poor diet is the main cause of high cholesterol levels. Instead of eating out for every meal, try to cook at home. You can get fresh, organic produce delivered from Naturally Best Fresh. In this post, we are sharing some scrumptious recipes to help you keep your cholesterol levels in check.

Tangy Breakfast Burrito (Serves 4)

This quick, nutritious yet delicious breakfast burrito is the perfect way to start your day. It contains Avocado, which is one of the best sources of healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
• 4 large organic eggs
• ½ can black beans
• 2 avocados (mashed)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 2 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 4 spinach tortillas
• Salt to taste
• Salsa (optional)

Method

1. Cook rice as directed on the packaging and salt it generously.
2. While the rice is cooking, separate egg whites in a bowl. Heat a non-stick pan and scramble egg whites. If you prefer, you can boil eggs.
3. In a large bowl, mix chicken, scrambled or boiled egg whites, mashed avocados, tomatoes, black beans and spices.
4. Take another bowl and lightly mix rice, cilantro and lime juice.
5. Heat tortillas on a skillet. Spoon about ½ cup of chicken mix in the centre and top it with 2 tsp of rice mixture. Fold it well and serve with salsa, if desired.

Zingy Rice Medley (Serves 4)

This is a super easy-to-make dinner option. You can even prepare it in bulk over the weekend and stick it in the freezer for the weekday dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• ½ cup spring onions (chopped)
• ½ cup peas
• 2 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
• 2 tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp hot chilli sauce ( or any chilli sauce of your liking)
• 4 tsp coconut aminos
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1tsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Cook the rice as instructed on the packaging. Salt it to taste.
2. In a small bowl mix 1 tsp coconut aminos and 1 tsp hot chilli sauce. Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush them with the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Bake fillets in 475 degrees Fahrenheit preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Once they’re done, keep them aside for a few minutes. Then, use a fork to flake them.
3. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil in heated pan. Throw in garlic, bell peppers and peas and stir till cooked. Now, turn off the heat and add salmon, spring onions, cilantro, lime juice and rest of coconut aminos.
4. Serve hot on a bed of rice. Enjoy!

Balsamic-Infused Strawberries (Serves 4)

This is a perfect recipe for those looking for a healthy way to indulge. It’s a fresh and fun take on summer-favourite strawberries.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups strawberries (sliced into quarters)
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 4-8 basil leaves
• Freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 pint of vanilla ice cream (optional)

Method:

1. About 30 minutes before serving, combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar and pepper. Set aside at room temperature.
2. Right before serving, roll up and finely slice basil leaves. Portion the strawberries in serving bowls and garnish with basil and lemon zest.
3. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.