logo
Doctor shares 5 Indian foods that help lower bad cholesterol naturally: ‘Heart health begins in kitchen'

Doctor shares 5 Indian foods that help lower bad cholesterol naturally: ‘Heart health begins in kitchen'

Hindustan Times15-06-2025
Struggling with high cholesterol and looking for natural ways to manage it? Instead of relying solely on medications, turning to your kitchen might be a smart first step. In his May 29 Instagram post, Dr Sumit Kapadia, vascular surgeon and varicose vein specialist, shares five everyday Indian foods that can help lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels while supporting overall heart health. (Also read: Cardiologist shares how to protect your heart at every age: Smart habits to build in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond )
"I often remind my patients: heart health begins in the kitchen. Cholesterol buildup can silently damage your arteries until it's too late. But the good news? Your everyday Indian diet has powerful tools to fight LDL cholesterol naturally," Dr Sumit wrote in the caption. Here are 5 Indian foods Dr Sumit recommends to help protect your heart:
A post shared by Dr Sumit Kapadia (@drsumitkapadia)
Packed with soluble fibre, methi helps bind cholesterol in the gut and blocks its absorption. For best results, soak the seeds overnight and consume them in the morning.
Surprisingly, coconut can be heart-friendly when used mindfully. Whether as oil or grated, it may help raise good cholesterol (HDL), which in turn helps balance out LDL.
This underrated superfood is rich in mucilage, a gel-like substance that traps cholesterol and helps flush it out of the body naturally.
These fruits are high in pectin and antioxidants, supporting liver function and helping to lower cholesterol over time. Pick whichever is local and in season.
A staple in Indian kitchens, garlic is known to lower total cholesterol and blood pressure. Just 1–2 raw cloves a day can have powerful effects.
Tip: Want to lower your LDL without giving up your favourite cultural foods? Start with small changes, be consistent, and let food be your first medicine.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Mercury ban in cosmetics: Why it's harmful to your health and where it might be hiding
Mercury ban in cosmetics: Why it's harmful to your health and where it might be hiding

Mint

time34 minutes ago

  • Mint

Mercury ban in cosmetics: Why it's harmful to your health and where it might be hiding

That skin-lightening cream or anti-ageing serum promising a glow overnight? It might be hiding something dangerous. The Indian government is now considering a ban on mercury-based cosmetics, following a recommendation by a central drug regulation panel. If implemented, this move would phase out mercury-containing products from the Indian market, including popular makeup, creams and skincare sold online. Mercury isn't just bad for your skin, it can harm your brain, nerves, and even your family's health. Mercury is sometimes used in skin-lightening creams, anti-wrinkle products, and eye makeup to deliver quick results, according to the FDA. But over time, it can do serious damage. Skin rashes Discolouration Thinning skin Permanent scarring Mood changes, memory issues, and numbness Long-term neurological harm Worse still? When you use mercury-laced products, your family can be exposed too, through shared towels, bedding, or even just the air. Up to 70 parts per million (ppm) of mercury in eye makeup Just 1 ppm in other cosmetics But that might soon change. The government is looking to ban anything with more than 1 ppm, bringing India in line with global safety standards under the Minamata Convention, a UN-backed treaty. Cosmetic brands may soon need to self-declare if they use mercury. Surprise lab tests and random product checks are also on the cards. An official told Mint: 'We're asking companies to share alternatives and will set a hard deadline to phase mercury out.' Here's what beauty-conscious shoppers should do: Read the label. If a product doesn't list ingredients, skip it. Look out for terms like 'mercurous chloride,' 'calomel,' or 'mercuric iodide', these are mercury. Wash your hands thoroughly if you've used anything questionable. Dispose of products safely, not in the regular bin. • Pregnant women • Young children and babies Mercury can pass through breast milk or affect brain development in kids.

Neurosurgeon says ‘stress rewires our brain' leading to high cortisol, memory loss; suggests 5 easy ways to stay sharp
Neurosurgeon says ‘stress rewires our brain' leading to high cortisol, memory loss; suggests 5 easy ways to stay sharp

Hindustan Times

time37 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

Neurosurgeon says ‘stress rewires our brain' leading to high cortisol, memory loss; suggests 5 easy ways to stay sharp

Have you been under a lot of pressure lately? It could be related to workload, family dynamics, or just some tiff you got into with your friend. But did you know that this stress could harm your brain? An overload of stress shrinks the hippocampus, scrambles focus, and ramps up anxiety. (Freepik) {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Also Read | Cardiologist reveals 'real cause of heart diseases' isn't the elevation of cholesterol levels, but this hidden issue {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} In an Instagram post shared on June 14, Dr Steven Spitz, neurosurgeon, talked about what stress really does to your brain. He discussed the three ways in which stress rewires our brain and suggested 5 ways to help your brain stay sharp. Let's find out what the neurosurgeon suggested: How stress rewires your brain According to the neurosurgeon, stress leads to: Cortisol Memory loss Poor focus He stressed that our brain wasn't built for nonstop cortisol. So, when there is an overload of stress, it 'shrinks the hippocampus, scrambles focus, and ramps up anxiety.' Here's how the above-mentioned three factors affect our brain: {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Read More {{^usCountry}} Per Dr Spitz, when we are stressed, our amygdala lights up and the increased cortisol levels activate our fear centre. This leads to increased anxiety, fear, and emotional reactivity. 'Your brain starts to prioritise threats over logic,' he stressed. Chronic stress = Cortisol overload {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} Per Dr Spitz, when we are stressed, our amygdala lights up and the increased cortisol levels activate our fear centre. This leads to increased anxiety, fear, and emotional reactivity. 'Your brain starts to prioritise threats over logic,' he stressed. Chronic stress = Cortisol overload {{/usCountry}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} 'When your body stays in 'fight or flight' mode too long, cortisol builds up and brain structure and function start to change,' the neurosurgeon stated. 'This isn't just 'in your head' - it's science,' he stressed. Additionally, it also affects the hippocampus, which is our memory centre. 'High cortisol shrinks the hippocampus and makes it harder to remember things, learn new info, regulate emotions, and leads to forgetfulness,' Dr Spitz said. He warned that all these aren't just signs of ageing. It's cortisol. Lastly, stress also affects our prefrontal cortex, aka the decision control centre. 'Chronic stress impairs your judgment, focus, and impulse control. That 'foggy brain' feeling? Blame cortisol hitting your prefrontal cortex. Protect your brain. Stress management isn't optional - it's neuroscience,' he explained. How to help your brain stay sharp {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Here's what the neurosurgeon does to help his brain stay sharp: Move every day (even 10 minutes helps) Say no without guilt Box-Breathe (2-second breath in, 2-second hold, 2-second exhale, and 2-second hold) Walk without a phone sometimes Prioritise sleep like it's surgery prep 'No trendy hacks. Just what actually works. If you've been living in survival mode lately, this is your reminder: you can't pour from an empty prefrontal cortex,' he stressed. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

Pilot medical test mandate by DGCA sparks concern in aviation sector
Pilot medical test mandate by DGCA sparks concern in aviation sector

Business Standard

timean hour ago

  • Business Standard

Pilot medical test mandate by DGCA sparks concern in aviation sector

A recent directive issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding medical examinations for commercial pilots has triggered alarm within Indian airlines and among pilots, according to a report by The Economic Times. Last week, the civil aviation regulator mandated that all medical evaluations for commercial pilots must now be conducted exclusively at the Indian Air Force (IAF) Boarding Centres. This marks a reversal from the previous policy, which permitted these assessments to take place at private hospitals and with DGCA-approved medical examiners. Concerns over military-level standards and delays According to DGCA regulations, all pilots are required to undergo regular and comprehensive medical examinations. However, airline officials have reportedly expressed concern that the medical standards applied to military pilots are significantly more rigorous than those needed for commercial aviation. They argue that these elevated standards, coupled with the IAF's limited capacity, could potentially impact flight operations due to pilot shortages. Airline executives also reportedly warn that the heightened standards may result in a greater number of pilots being deemed medically unfit. This, in turn, could exacerbate the current pilot shortage and raise insurance costs for carriers. An official told The Economic Times that the philosophy and requirements for clearing pilots in the civil and defence sectors were fundamentally different, which is why all other countries had felt the need to separate civil aviation medical assessments from the military system. Commercial pilots criticise move Commercial pilots have voiced their opposition to the new rules, warning that this move could ground additional pilots at a time when the industry is already grappling with personnel shortages, Business Today reported. The Airline Pilots' Association of India (Alpa India) has highlighted logistical challenges, noting that there are currently only three IAF Boarding Centres across the country – located in Delhi, Jorhat, and Bengaluru. Pilots are also required to book appointments during their off-duty hours, adding to their burden. The DGCA has stated that the IAF Boarding Centres may request further investigations based on medical history and clinical examination in order to determine a pilot's fitness.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store