One of the biggest topics today is ‘how to lower cholesterol‘. Sometimes it can get hard to stay on a diet that will help lower cholesterol. I think the major reason is that most people just don’t know what types of food to eat. I tried to compile a list of all the foods that place a role in lowering bad cholesterol, and raising good cholesterol.

Here’s the list:

Fruits - There are many fruits that help lower cholesterol such as apples, oranges, cantaloupe, strawberries, and grapefruit

Nuts and seeds - Some nuts and seeds are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids such as walnuts, almonds, and flaxseeds.

Cold-water Fish - Another great source of omega 3 fatty acids are tuna and salmon.

Whole Grain Foods - Bread, cereal (we all know about cheerios and lowering cholesterol), and pasta.

Oatmeal - Oatmeal is high in fibre and iron, and cleans excess cholesterol.B

Vegetables - Broccoli, asparagus, onions, beets, artichokes, and some others I’ve never even tried before like jicama, rutabaga, daikon, and butternut squash.

Beans - High in soluble fibre, and helps with the digestion system.

Soy Protein - An ounce of tofu a day can lower LDL cholesterol as much as 10%

Despite garlic being claimed that it can lower LDL cholesterol a study last year concluded that it’s not as effective as they thought. The study suggests “You achieve good health through eating healthy food. There isn’t a pill or an herb you can take to counteract an unhealthy diet.” That means consuming foods described above in part of your diet.

Try to eliminate all trans fats in your diet. If you’re eating the foods above than you shouldn’t have to worry about trans fats. Minimizing sugars and white flour will also lower triglyceride levels, help weight loss, and lower LDL cholesterol levels. When having dairy products go for the lower fat solution. Instead of drinking 2% milk - drink skim milk. Instead of 2% cottage cheese, choose 1%. These subtle changes can make a huge difference.

I’m still at a young age so I’m not as much concerned about my cholesterol level. The thing is the foods above are foods that I eat every single day (besides soy protein - I’ve never even tried tofu), and I’m definately feeling the benefits of eating such foods