Pectin- Soluble Fiber in Fruits that may Reduce High Cholesterol

High blood
cholesterol levels can be very dangerous to
our health as they are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular
diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease¹.
A proper dietary plan and lifestyle changes are required to reduce blood
cholesterol levels, and it is a known fact that some particular food types may help in this regard. 

High
cholesterol levels could be actually reduced
with specific dietary restrictions. However, modern nutritional approaches
favor a modification of dietary habits, rather than just restricting the
overall amount of daily food intake. Oil-rich foods that contain high levels of
saturated fats are often substituted with fruit and vegetables because of their high
content of soluble fibers such as pectin. Pectin is a fiber found in grapefruit,
lemon and apples as well as in other fruits and vegetables and it is known to
reduce cholesterol levels².

See: A Homoeopathic Cardiotonic Digitalis Purpurea For Heart Disease

The exact mechanism through which pectin may reduce plasma cholesterol levels is still unclear. However, several mechanisms have been proposed, including a decreased cholesterol absorption and modifications of the intestinal microflora environment. An inhibition of bile acids re-absorption has also been suggested, as pectin can partially interrupt their enterohepatic circulation³. Pectin gelification into an extremely viscous fluid within the gut could also help by sequestering micelles that contain cholesterol, which are then eliminated with the feces.

See: EDHIR-Heart-mind Integration

1.      Information, National Center for
Biotechnology; Pike, U. S. National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville; MD,
Bethesda; USA, 20894 (2014-06-11).
“High Blood Cholesterol.”
PubMed Health.

2.      Knopp, R. H.;
Superko, H. R.; Davidson, M.; Insull, W.; Dujovne, C. A.; Kwiterovich, P. O.;
Zavoral, J. H.; Graham, K.; O’Connor, R. R. (1999-07-01). “Long-term blood
cholesterol-lowering effects of a dietary fiber supplement.”
American Journal of Preventive Medicine 17 (1):
18–23. ISSN 0749-3797. PMID 10429748.

3.      Leveille GA, Sauberlich HE. “Mechanism of the cholesterol-depressing effect of
pectin in the cholesterol-fed rat.” The Journal of Nutrition 88:2 1966 Feb pg 209-14

See: Zucchini Soup with Toasted Croutons for your heart

Dr.
Claudio Butticè, PharmD.