Are Lemons Good for Your Cholesterol?

Lemons are a tasty citrus that many love to use in their cuisine. Its acidity adds a nice bite to various dishes, and the fruit is an excellent addition to desserts. There are countless health benefits of lemons. They're high in vitamin C, contain numerous health-boosting compounds and are a great source of fiber.

But are they good for your cholesterol? Is there such a thing as a lemon bar without cholesterol?

The Effects of Lemons on Your Cholesterol Levels

Did you know that about one in three adult Americans have high cholesterol? It's a major issue that puts millions at risk for serious heart issues. Your body needs cholesterol to make hormones and maintain cell membranes. But too much of it can cause problems.

High cholesterol levels increase the chances of plaque buildup on artery walls. Having elevated cholesterol levels puts you at risk of heart disease.

So, where do lemons come into the mix?

Believe it or not, lemons may help lower your cholesterol! It all comes down to the fruit's fiber. The citrus fiber in lemons can make a difference. Citrus fiber contains a mix of soluble and insoluble fibers. The soluble fibers bind to cholesterol in the small intestines. When this occurs, it prevents your body from absorbing the cholesterol into your bloodstream.

That then prevents it from traveling to other parts of the body. Soluble fiber plays a big role in managing cholesterol, helping lower your overall cholesterol level. Lemons can help you do that!

But that's not all. Studies show that certain compounds within the fruit are also beneficial. These compounds are widely utilized to treat and protect the body from blood vessel disorders. Lemons are high in these compounds.

In the body, they work to increase the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. That's the good cholesterol that absorbs bad cholesterol from the blood and carries it to the liver.

If you're dealing with high cholesterol, consider introducing more lemons into your diet! Who knew that you could enjoy a lemon bar without cholesterol concerns?

Read a similar article about cholesterol lowering oatmeal here at this page.