When it comes to protecting your heart, some of nature’s best solutions can be found in your pantry. That’s because a big part of managing your cholesterol levels is choosing the right foods to eat. In fact, some foods more than others can help improve your overall cholesterol profile.
According to a new study done by researchers from the Cardiff Metropolitan University, just one teaspoon (10g) of a popular condiment each day has been found to help reduce cholesterol levels by 10 percent.
The study presented at the European Federation of Food Science and Technology recruited 51 participants who were aged between 40-70 years old and either overweight or clinically obese. All participants were asked to consume 10g of wholegrain mustard either on a small cracker or by itself before bed each evening for 12 weeks.
At the end of study, researchers found that 86% of participants experienced a significant drop in either their blood glucose levels or cholesterol levels, and in some cases a decline in both.
This new research suggests that people with high cholesterol levels can improve their condition by having one teaspoon of wholegrain mustard each day. This is especially useful for individuals at greater risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and vascular dementia.
The 10 percent mark is the same cholesterol reduction you would normally see if someone followed a low-fat diet, the research reports.
But lowering cholesterol isn’t the only health benefit of wholegrain mustard. The study also found that when eaten every day, wholegrain mustard can also help lower blood sugar levels.
As many of you already know, having high blood sugar levels for prolonged periods of time is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Adding wholegrain mustard to your diet can be as simple as just using it as a condiment. Here are some delicious ways on how to consume more mustard:
1. Make your own homemade salad dressing using olive oil and wholegrain mustard. Not only is this much healthier than the ones you buy in stores but it’s easy and quick to make.
2. Mustard also works well with fish. Take one part honey, one part wholegrain mustard, olive oil, a dash of lemon juice and salt mix, and pour over salmon fillets before baking.