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Growing Plants to Lower Cholesterol

If you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you probably know that exercising and improving your diet can help lower your numbers. Those who enjoy gardening can grow several kinds of plants that help lower cholesterol.

  1. Beans and peas

    • Beans and peas are easy to grow in most climates. They contain soluble fiber, which is known to help lower cholesterol levels.

    Raspberries and other fruit

    • Taking a wild raspberry or blackberry cutting and transplanting it into a mostly sunny spot in your yard can provide you with fruit from July through October. The high fiber and antioxidants in berries can contribute to lower cholesterol numbers.

    Corn

    • Corn has soluble fiber and plant sterols associated with lowering cholesterol. Gardeners in colder climates should look for corn varieties with short growing seasons.

    Onions and leeks

    • Onions and leeks are low-maintenance vegetable crops associated with lowering cholesterol.

    Broccoli and cauliflower

    • Almost all vegetables can be part of a heart-healthy diet that lowers cholesterol. Broccoli and cauliflower are nutrition-rich choices, providing fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

    Considerations

    • Gardening chores such as hoeing, raking and pulling weeds provide heart-healthy exercise. Gardening and working with plants also is a stress-buster for many, and a study at Oregon State University found that managing stress was linked with lower cholesterol levels.

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