How Taylor Swift’s current obsession can lower cholesterol and high blood pressure

Are you B-ready for this? Taylor Swift’s new obsession is taking the internet by storm — and guess what? It has the power to lower your cholesterol and high blood pressure.Taylor Swift, 35, is in her sourdough era! Yes, you read that right. Calm down, Swifties — there is nothing wrong with your mother’s carbohydrate lore. “Sourdough has taken over my life in a huge way,” the singer said in an episode of her fiancé Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast. “I’m really talking about bread 60% of the time.”These days, almost all her attention is on sourdough. It even made a cameo in her music video for The Fate of Ophelia. Some obsessions make your life better — take sourdough, for instance.

The magic of sourdough

Made with simple ingredients such as flour, water, salt, and a starter, sourdough is a healthy addition to your diet. It does not contain the commercial yeast and additives that make regular bread rise. Here, the sourdough rises due to natural fermentation — and in Swift’s kitchen, that means loaves that are equal parts wholesome and whimsical.From lemon blueberry and cinnamon swirl to funfetti, Swift is on a baking experiment — and she’s winning extra sourdough points from Kelce.

Why is sourdough healthy?

Sourdough is made through a natural and healthy process. Fermentation adds natural bacteria and yeast to it. These microbes produce acids and enzymes that give sourdough its tangy flavour and unique texture. So, if you’re really craving some carbs, reach for sourdough.Science backs up the hype. A 2022 study found that the fermentation of sourdough breaks down proteins in the flour into peptides, which can help inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) — the same one targeted by certain blood pressure medications. Some sourdoughs also contain strains of lactic acid bacteria that increase levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a compound known for calming the nervous system and potentially supporting healthy blood pressure.

Sourdough is also beneficial for those with a sensitive gut. A 2023 study by researchers at Penn State found that sourdough is a better option for people with coeliac disease or intolerance to dietary gluten. Sourdough contains less gluten than other breads, making it more tolerable for people with gluten sensitivities.It may also have some heart health benefits. Each slice of sourdough contains around 80–100 calories and 1–2 grams of fibre. When made from whole grains, sourdough is an excellent source of soluble fibre, which binds with cholesterol in the digestive tract, helping to lower overall cholesterol levels.

On the other hand, bread made from refined white flour is processed much like sugar in the body — spiking blood sugar and potentially raising LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Doctor approved

According to Dr Li, a world-renowned physician, scientist, and bestselling author with more than 30 years of research on metabolism and health, sourdough is good for the gut.In a video shared on Instagram, the doctor said, “If you want to eat healthily but want to avoid overly processed white bread, try a slice of sourdough. Sourdough is great for gut health, as it contains a healthy gut bacterium called Lactobacillus reuteri.”He added that studies also confirm that even after being baked and toasted, the bacteria in the sourdough remain.“I recommend trying to find local, artisan-made sourdough or buying a sourdough starter from your local bakery to make your own at home!” he said.So, when are you making your sourdough loaf?Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.