Wholesome nutrition
HIGH cholesterol is a serious issue faced by many Malaysians and one of the causes of coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke. According to the Health Ministry, 47.7% of Malaysian adults suffer from high cholesterol.
Although cholesterol is often portrayed as something that is not good for you, it is actually an essential component in our body.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver. It plays a vital role in cell function and is needed to synthesise vitamin D, some hormones and bile for digestion.
External sources of cholesterol can be found in foods that are derived from animals such as meats, seafood, eggs and milk.
Cholesterol is classified into two categories – high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The latter is often referred to as bad cholesterol because too much of it is unhealthy. An increase in LDL is known as high cholesterol.
Prevention is always better than cure. Whole grains have the unique ability to lower cholesterol levels before the onset of any chronic diseases as they have the three component layers that are rich in nutrients. These layers are the bran, germ and endosperm.
The bran layer has most of the grain’s fibre and is rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients, iron, zinc and magnesium.
Endosperm, the middle region of the grain, contains most of the carbohydrate and some protein of the grain.
The germ, or the inner core, is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, B vitamins and healthy oils.
Whole grains are food sources that are high in dietary fibre. Studies show that a diet high in fibre can be beneficial in lowering high cholesterol, help manage weight, ease constipation, maintain a healthy digestive system and stabilise blood sugar levels.
In addition to this, beta-glucan – a type of fibre found in grains – can help reduce blood cholesterol levels and stabilise blood sugar levels.
Whole grains such as brown rice and chia seeds contain nutrient-rich bran and germ layers as well as natural plant-based nutrients needed to regulate cholesterol levels.
Barley and oat bran powder, on the other hand, are power foods that help lower cholesterol as they are rich in beta-glucan.
Guardian Mixed Grains & Oats 30+ is enriched with brown rice, barley and chia seeds to provide adequate amounts of beta-glucan, dietary fibre and plant-based nutrients.
This article is brought to you by your partner in health, Guardian Health and Beauty Sdn Bhd.