
Foods that help lower your cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is an insoluble and waxy substance made by most cells in the body, and can also be acquired from various food items. Cholesterol is not naturally bad, but too much of it can lead to various health problems. It is necessary to know that a proper diet plays a major role in determining the level of cholesterol. Here is a list of foods to add to your high-cholesterol diet to manage the levels.
Tomatoes
Along with vitamins A and C, tomatoes contain a compound called the antioxidant lycopene, helpful in reducing LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels.
Raspberries
You can get 8 grams of fiber by just having a cup full of raspberries. Intake of adequate fiber decreases LDL and also aids digestion.
Apples
Intake of adequate apples lowers total cholesterol. Apples also contain antioxidant compounds that are good for the heart and help promote healthy cellular functions.
Bananas
Bananas prevent cholesterol from entering into the bloodstream and removes it from your digestive system, thus limiting the LDL cholesterol. It is good to have sliced bananas with oats and a tablespoon of chia seeds.
Oats
Oats is a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, that removes excess saturated fats. By lowering the saturated fats, it helps in limiting the LDL cholesterol.
Herbs and spices
Spices and herbs contain antioxidants, and when mixed with other vegetables it can help control cholesterol levels.
Avocado
Avocados are rich in unsaturated fats that affect lipid and lipoprotein profiles. They help in reducing the risk of heart problems and can help in limiting the LDL cholesterol.
Spinach
Green leafy vegetables should be added to high-cholesterol diets. Spinach and other such veggies promote the production of nitric oxide (NO), which in turn, helps in limiting the cholesterol.
Corn oil
Corn oil contains plant-sterols that decrease saturated fats that your body absorbs and meanwhile controls the cholesterol level.
Pistachios
Pistachios are a type of nuts that are rich in fiber and antioxidant components. They help in lowering LDL cholesterol and protect the body from oxidative stress.
Chickpeas
Intake of 1/3rd cup of chickpeas provides almost 12 grams of fiber. Chickpeas are rich in dietary fiber and good for the heart. Most high-cholesterol diets contain chickpeas.
Soy
Soy or soybeans are a great substitute for animal proteins and help in lowering LDL without affecting HDL (good) cholesterol.
Eggplant and okra
Eggplant and okra are low-calorie vegetables and are rich in soluble fiber. Thus, they are essential in high-cholesterol diets.
Rice bran oil
Rice bran oil contains the right amount of antioxidants called oryzanol, which helps in decreasing cholesterol absorption and eliminating excess cholesterol.
Fenugreek seeds
Regular consumption of fenugreek is effective in controlling the total cholesterol and lowering LDL in the blood.
Margarine
Margarine can be used as an alternative for butter. Margarine is made from unsaturated fats, and thus, it is suggested to add it to high-cholesterol diets.


