The dangers of high cholesterol are well-known, but are you aware that with some simple dietary changes, you could have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels? Statistics show how common high cholesterol is, with more than 1 in 5 adults having the condition.1https://www.stroke.org.uk/stroke/managing-risk/high-cholesterol
What people don’t know is just how muck kefir can impact your cholesterol. Let’s explore what cholesterol is and how useful kefir can be!
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver. It can also be found in certain foods, and it is vital for various bodily functions.2https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23922-what-is-cholesterol So, cholesterol isn’t all bad after all; in fact, you need it! Still, having too much cholesterol can be problematic.
There are two main types of cholesterol, these are:
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Simply put, HDL is referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol. Whereas LDL is referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, with high levels of LDL linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.3https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23922-what-is-cholesterol4https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-cholesterol
You may be wondering – why have I developed high cholesterol in the first place? Well, many factors can negatively affect your cholesterol levels, including:5https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol6https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol.
- Diet
- Genetics
- Lack of exercise
- Being overweight
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
High cholesterol rarely causes signs or symptoms, so checking your cholesterol levels regularly via a blood test is important. Discuss cholesterol testing with your doctor or healthcare provider for further support and advice.
How can kefir help with cholesterol?
As gut health experts, we are constantly fascinated but not surprised by the impact of gut microbes on the health of the rest of the body – cholesterol is no exception! What’s one simple way to boost your gut microbiome? Kefir! Kefir is a fermented milk drink containing a diverse range of beneficial microbes that help to boost your gut bacteria.
The NHS recommends the use of lower-fat dairy as a measure to support healthy cholesterol levels.7https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/milk-and-dairy-nutrition/. This is because full-fat dairy generally contains more saturated fat and these fats have been linked to an increase in LDL cholesterol.8https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/different-fats-nutrition/
Here are Chuckling Goat, we offer two types of kefir to suit all dietary needs – Original Kefir, made with full-fat goat’s milk, and Kefir Light, made with semi-skimmed goat’s milk. The importance of fermentation has been highlighted in research, as live kefir grains can reduce the amount of cholesterol in milk during fermentation.9https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4854945/
If you want to experience the benefits of kefir, then you need to be drinking real kefir. Learn all about the differences between real kefir and fake kefir.
Various studies, including both animal and human, have found kefir to be beneficial for cholesterol levels.10https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4854945/11https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37224566/12https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213434421000177 One study in 2021 found that patients with metabolic syndrome saw a reduction in various important biomarkers when consuming kefir for just 12 weeks, including a reduction in LDL cholesterol.13https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213434421000177
Further research has found individuals consuming kefir made with traditional microbes experienced reduced LDL cholesterol, alongside other improvements.14https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37224566/
To reap the benefits of kefir for yourself, we recommend a daily dose of 170 ml. This amount is enough to boost your overall gut health. Simply add to a gut health shake or smoothie with the other products included in our Gut Health Protocol.
Do you want to know more about your gut health? The Chuckling Goat Microbiome Test takes an in-depth look at the gut microbiome by assessing 86 biomarkers. Our test examines seven key areas: bacterial diversity, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, pathogens, mental wellness, and systemic wellness.
Combine these results with our all-natural dietary interventions, and your health and well-being will soar! Check out How to test your microbiome!
Why choose Chuckling Goat Kefir?
We pride ourselves on quality and with over 8,000 Trustpilot customer reviews with a 4.9 rating, we are 100% confident in our products!
Our kefir is the most diverse on the market; naturally containing 27 strains of beneficial bacteria, helping to replenish and rebuild the gut microbiome. It is made with 100% goat’s milk, which is gentler on the stomach and easier to digest compared to cow’s dairy.
We use live kefir grains instead of a powered starter, making the finished product stronger and more potent! Most importantly, we do not add additives, flavourings, sugars, or sweeteners to our kefir; this ensures the live bacteria are not damaged in any way.
Looking for more tips to improve cholesterol levels? Then look no further, here are three articles to help you –
- 10 things you can eat to help tackle high cholesterol
- Help, I’ve got high cholesterol! 8 tips to help
- Gut bacteria influence your cholesterol levels!
Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via Live Chat, weekdays 8am to 8pm.
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