You’re likely aware that certain foods can boost your bad cholesterol. Sugary snacks, processed foods, and junk food are the main culprits. However, your snacks don’t have to be sugary or junky. And they certainly don’t have to harm cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is found in every cell in your body. You actually make it to help with several functions. But diet can play a role, too. And it’s not necessarily foods with cholesterol that cause it to go up.
There are two main types of cholesterol in your body: “good” HDL and “bad” LDL. Too much LDL can get stuck to arteries, turn to plaque, and boost blood pressure and the risk for a serious cardiac event.
On the other hand, HDL picks up the extra LDL and takes it to the liver so it can be excreted from the body.
“High cholesterol” means you have too much LDL, not enough HDL, or a combination.
Lowering LDL and boosting LDL, therefore, is a great combo for heart health. And here is a snack that can help you do it: Nut Butter Oat Balls.
Oats are one of the best foods for cholesterol. They are high in soluble fiber, which helps coat your small intestine in a way that keeps bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream.
Nuts and natural nut butter help boost HDL to help get rid of HDL. Adding some whey protein or dried fruit can be beneficial, too.
So, here’s how you make them: just take a bunch of oats, nut butter, and protein powder (if you like), put it in a bowl and mix it all around. Then scoop into balls and let them sit in the fridge for a couple of hours. No baking and plenty of taste for a cholesterol-lowering snack!