Wheat sprouts: A potent weapon in our fight against cholesterol build-up

Cardiovascular diseases have constituted the leading cause of death in many countries for several years. Regrettably, cholesterol, which gradually accumulates in our blood vessels, contributes significantly to this alarming trend, intensifying the threat of a stroke, heart attack, or atherosclerosis.

While it is generally believed that high cholesterol is asymptomatic, certain signs should motivate us to pursue thorough diagnostic tests. Symptoms suggesting possible artery blockage include: discomfort and pain that lessens with rest, unusually cold feet, burning foot pain that emerges at rest, skin redness, and persistent foot and toe ulcers. It's also imperative to note if yellow clumps develop around your eyes, as these skin changes are a definitive warning sign that must be heeded.

A balanced diet is integral to cardiovascular disease prevention. Health professionals continuously stress the importance of removing alcohol, sugars, and trans fats from our diets. Consumption of highly processed foods and red meat should be minimal. So, what should we incorporate into our everyday meals?

Certain studies recommend consumption of plant sterols, commonly found in rice, soy, vegetable oils, sesame seeds, wheat sprouts, legumes, and nuts.

Dieticians frequently advise including wheat sprouts in our diet to help lessen the levels of bad LDL cholesterol in the blood. Aside from their health benefits, the sprouts' adaptability as an ingredient make them an ideal addition to salads, sandwiches, scrambled eggs, egg pastes, or yogurts. They are also rich sources of dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus.

However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) strongly recommends limiting phytosterols intake to a maximum of 0.1 ounce per day.