High cholesterol levels are caused by the build-up of fatty substances, called lipids, in your blood. High cholesterol levels can lead to other health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Some of the symptoms of high cholesterol include chest pains and shortness of breath. The causes of high cholesterol levels include living a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and consuming a poor diet. The following are some homemade low-cholesterol snack options:
1. No-salt nuts
Unsalted nuts are very healthy and have a good amount of fiber, which helps you feel full while also lowering the cholesterol levels in your body. Nuts are also packed with necessary vitamins and minerals. To prepare a delicious snack with unsalted nuts, mix about 120 grams of roughly chopped mixed nuts of your choice in a bowl, and then add a teaspoon of organic olive oil and mix. To make this snack even tastier, mix in a few broken leaves of rosemary, a quarter teaspoon of organic yeast, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a quarter teaspoon of smoked garlic granules.
2. Veggie sticks and hummus
Veggie sticks and hummus is a delicious snack that is high in fiber and protein and will keep you satisfied for hours. The snack is also effortless to make at home, so here is a simple recipe: Blend 400g of chickpeas, two tablespoons of organic tahini, two garlic cloves, a teaspoon of Himalayan salt, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a cup of hot water in a food processor. Then, chop your desired vegetable, such as carrots, cucumbers, or celery, into sticks. Vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals, and they are also alkaline. Combined with hummus, they will activate your fat cells, thus helping you reduce your cholesterol levels and lose weight.
3. Air popped popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a healthy snack that is rich in fiber. You can make it as salty or sweet as you like by adding your favorite seasonings. To prepare air-popped popcorn, place a quarter cup of corn kernels in a paper bag, fold it tightly, and then place it in the microwave for two minutes. After the kernels have popped, remove them from the microwave, season them, and enjoy your delicious snack! This is a good snack that contains antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has a lot of health benefits, including lowering blood sugar levels, promoting healthy gut bacteria, and lowering your chances of colon cancer. The fiber in oatmeal helps keep you satisfied longer, and the protein in oatmeal helps burn fat faster, lowering cholesterol. Plus, oatmeal pancakes are an easy and healthy savory snack.To make these pancakes, combine 100g of wheat flour and oats, chopped onions, finely chopped tomatoes, a teaspoon of salt, and coriander. Add small amounts of water as you mix the dry ingredients. Then, grease your pan with a little oil, take a spoonful of the mixture, and spread it evenly on the pan. Be sure to use a low flame for uniform cooking. Once one side is cooked, flip the pancake to cook the other side. When your pancakes are ready, you can serve them with a cup of coffee and enjoy!
5. Fresh fruit smoothie
Smoothies are not only tasty, but also very healthy; they contain vitamins and minerals that keep the body in good health. They are also fast and easy to make. The following is a simple recipe for a banana, peanut butter, and cinnamon smoothie: Add chopped bananas, four dates, a spoonful of unsalted peanut butter, half a cup of milk, and a small amount of water into a blender, and blend. Pour the smoothie into a glass, add a pinch of cinnamon powder, mix it, and then enjoy. This smoothie provides you with calcium and vitamin D3 and can help you resist cravings.
