Do Probiotics Reduce Cholesterol Levels?
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microbes that provide specific health benefits. It contains beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. Though they can have different effects on your body, they still play an important role in your overall being. Healthy gut bacteria can also affect your blood sugar, brain health, and heart health by reducing cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation. It can help restore healthy gut bacteria, which may improve your heart condition.
Probiotics Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Several studies specified certain probiotics are potent in reducing blood cholesterol. There are two main types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol and LDL or low-density lipoprotein, which is harmful. Lactobacillus , L. Plantarum and L. Reuteri were particularly effective in reducing cholesterol levels.
This increases their efficacy in people with high cholesterol when taken for a longer period. They can bind with cholesterol in the intestines to stop it from being absorbed. They also help produce certain bile acids, which help metabolize fat and cholesterol in your body.
Probiotics Improve Heart Health?
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Thus, it is important to look after your heart, especially as you get older. Many foods benefit heart health and recent studies have shown that taking probiotics improves heart health.
Probiotics Manage Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is another leading risk factor for heart disease but it can be lowered through supplementation. Several studies have shown that certain strains can significantly reduce blood pressure. One of these large studies found a decrease in blood pressure, especially under the following conditions:
- When blood pressure was chronically high
- When your dosage is high
- When multiple types of probiotics were taken at the same time
- When the probiotics were taken for more than 8 weeks
Probiotics Reduce Triglycerides
It may help reduce blood triglycerides that contribute to heart disease when their levels are too high. Lactobacillus curvatus and Lactobacillus Plantarum strains knowingly reduced blood triglycerides.
Probiotics Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation occurs when your body’s immune system fights infection or heals a wound. These conditions can also happen as a result of a bad diet, smoking, or an unhealthy lifestyle. If left untreated, these will lead to heart disease. Taking Lactobacillus reuteri strains for nine weeks significantly reduced the inflammatory chemicals.
Can Adults Take Probiotics Daily?
It is essential to understand that probiotics are not a replacement for all your medications. Probiotics for adults are permissible for daily intake rather than a quick-fix option. Talk to your doctor to determine the risk and benefits of taking supplements along with your daily medications.
Food Sources that Contains Probiotics
- Yogurt. Yogurt is made from milk that has been fermented by probiotics, mainly lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. It is beneficial for people with hypertension.
- Tempeh. It is a fermented soybean product that contains a decent amount of vitamin B12, a nutrient found mainly in animal products.
- Kimchi. It is a well-known Korean dish containing lactic acid bacteria that may benefit digestive health.
- Miso. It is a popular Japanese seasoning rich in several vital nutrients and may reduce the risk of cancer and stroke.
- Kefir. It is a fermented milk drink made by adding kefir grains to cow’s milk. It may improve bone health, help with some digestive problems, and protect against infections.
- Sauerkraut. It is a traditional food made from finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented by lactic acid bacteria.
- Kombucha. It is a tea drink that contains a wide range of health benefits.
- Pickles. This is a preserved cucumber that is left to ferment for some time, using its own naturally present lactic acid bacteria.
In Conclusion
Probiotics for adults are live microbes that have certain health benefits. Several studies show that healthy strains reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation. Nevertheless, most of the study participants already had high blood pressure or cholesterol.
Moreover, not all strains are the same and only some may benefit heart health. Overall, if you have high cholesterol or blood pressure, it may be useful to have supplementation along with medicines, diet, and lifestyle changes.