Emma Wilson
Onions and mushrooms are both low in cholesterol and have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Research has found that onions can improve high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). Oyster mushrooms have been found to decrease triacylglycerol concentrations and oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels, as well as lower total cholesterol values. Shiitake mushrooms have also been found to have cholesterol-lowering effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are onions low in cholesterol? | Onions are associated with lower cholesterol levels. |
| Are mushrooms low in cholesterol? | Mushrooms are low in cholesterol. They contain compounds that inhibit the production of cholesterol, block cholesterol from being absorbed, and lower overall cholesterol levels. |
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What You'll Learn
Onions are beneficial for blood lipids
Onions are also beneficial for blood lipids because they can be used as a substitute for meat in recipes. Meat, especially red meat, is a source of cholesterol, so substituting onions for meat can help lower cholesterol intake.
In addition to their cholesterol-lowering properties, onions are also a good source of prebiotics, which stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome is important for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Furthermore, onions are a heart-healthy food. They can help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and promoting a healthy gut, as an unhealthy gut has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Overall, onions are a beneficial food for blood lipids and heart health. They can be easily incorporated into recipes and used as a substitute for meat to reduce cholesterol intake.
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Onions reduce bad cholesterol
Onions are vegetables belonging to the genus allium and are closely related to garlic, shallots, and leeks. They are rich in chemicals that can help protect your heart, lower your risk of some cancers, and make it easier for your body to make insulin. Onions are also one of the greatest vegetable sources of quercetin, a plant compound with many health benefits.
Onions are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are known to offer a variety of health benefits. They also add a flavor boost to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner dish. All types of onions are good for you, but the dark reddish-purple variety, sometimes called purple onion, has especially high levels of quercetin.
Onions are also beneficial for blood lipids, including improving plasma levels of HDL, LDL, and TC. Studies indicate that onion supplementation may be effective in treating dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by elevated plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) concentrations and decreased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) concentrations.
Onions can promote the conversion of LDL into HDL, which is the "good" cholesterol, and can also promote the excretion of bile acids and inhibit the absorption of cholesterol to reduce plasma cholesterol. In addition, the anti-lipid effect of onions may be related to reducing lipid hydroperoxide and lipoperoxide concentrations.
Overall, onions are a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal that can help reduce bad cholesterol and improve overall heart health.
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Oyster mushrooms lower cholesterol
Onions and mushrooms are both low in cholesterol. In fact, onions and mushrooms are considered cholesterol-lowering foods.
Oyster mushrooms, in particular, have been shown to lower cholesterol. Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus ostreatus, are wood-rotting mushrooms that belong to the same biological class and order as Shiitake mushrooms, which have been proven to decrease total cholesterol levels in both animals and humans.
Several animal studies have shown that oyster mushrooms can positively influence the lipid profile. A 2007 rodent study found that treatment with oyster mushroom extract improved antioxidant levels and lowered certain inflammatory markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA). A 2016 test-tube study found that oyster mushroom extract inhibited oxidative damage to human artery cells and prevented oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, possibly due to the amino acid ergothioneine.
A 2011 randomized control trial found that eating a soup containing 30 grams of dried oyster mushrooms for 21 days decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol, and oxidized LDL (bad) cholesterol levels compared to a placebo. Another study found that a 5% powder of oyster mushrooms reduced plasma total cholesterol levels by 37%, reduced triglyceride levels by 45%, and decreased the LDL/HDL ratio by 64%.
Oyster mushrooms are a good source of beta-glucans, which are fibres that can help to reduce cholesterol production in the body. They also contain lovastatin, a compound with cholesterol-lowering properties.
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Mushrooms are cholesterol-free
Research suggests a link between a compound in mushrooms called eritadenine and lower cholesterol values. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, are known to be high in eritadenine and have been shown to lower cholesterol levels in both animal and human studies. Oyster mushrooms have also been found to lower cholesterol levels in humans, specifically decreasing triacylglycerol concentrations and oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels.
Mushrooms are a good source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They also contain selenium, which helps the body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage. By including mushrooms in recipes instead of meat, you can reduce your total cholesterol intake.
In addition to their cholesterol-lowering properties, mushrooms offer other health benefits. They are a source of vitamin D, which is important for heart health, and they contain two kinds of fiber, including soluble fiber, which may have unique heart health benefits. Beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber found in mushrooms, helps to lower blood cholesterol levels by preventing the absorption of cholesterol during digestion.
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Mushrooms contain cholesterol-lowering compounds
Mushrooms are a cholesterol-free food with several essential nutrients, including selenium, potassium, and B vitamins. They also contain bioactive compounds that may provide health benefits. While all mushroom varieties are thought to be helpful for lowering cholesterol, shiitake mushrooms have been the subject of much research.
Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called eritadenine, which is known to reduce plasma cholesterol in rats and humans. A study from the Journal of Nutrition found that regular intake of shiitake mushrooms in rodents appears to have cholesterol-lowering effects. This confirms earlier studies with similar results.
Oyster mushrooms have also been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties. A 2010 intervention study investigated the cholesterol-lowering properties of oyster mushrooms in humans for the first time. Twenty subjects consumed either one portion of soup containing 30 grams of dried oyster mushrooms or a tomato soup placebo daily for 21 days. The results showed that treatment with oyster mushroom soup significantly lowered triacylglycerol concentrations and oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels and tended to lower total cholesterol values.
In addition to eritadenine and oyster mushrooms' inherent cholesterol-lowering properties, mushrooms contain other compounds that may contribute to their cholesterol-lowering effects. Beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber found in mushrooms, form a gel-like substance in the gastrointestinal tract. This gel traps cholesterol and triglycerides, preventing their absorption during digestion and subsequently lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Mushrooms are a heart-healthy food that can be incorporated into various recipes. They can be sautéed with olive oil and onions, tossed with spices, or marinated and served on whole-grain toast. By substituting mushrooms for meat in recipes, you can reduce your total cholesterol intake and make a positive impact on your heart health.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, onions and mushrooms are low in cholesterol. Mushrooms are cholesterol-free and onions have been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
Onions improve plasma levels of HDL, LDL, and TC. The "good" form of HDL takes LDL cholesterol and transports it to the liver where it is flushed out, counteracting its negative effects.
Mushrooms are low in energy, fat-free, and very low in sodium. They also contain bioactive compounds, such as n-3 fatty acids, that improve blood serum status. Oyster mushrooms, in particular, have been shown to lower concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, and oxidized LDL.
Other foods that are low in cholesterol include nuts, lean meats such as turkey and chicken, and fruits.
Foods that are high in cholesterol include red meat and onion rings.
