If you have high levels of bad LDL cholesterol, you should avoid foods that increase its levels. The foods you need to consume should have good HDL cholesterol. High cholesterol has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
1) Oatmeal, oat bran and high fiber foods. Foods rich in soluble fiber help reduce the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Soluble fiber is also found in beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes.
2) Fish and omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of fatty fish can be heart healthy due to high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood pressure and the risk of developing blood clots.
3) Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios are rich in healthy fats but avoid consuming them with salt or sugar.
4) Olive oil. Olive oil is packed full of beneficial antioxidants that can lower your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol while leaving your “good” (HDL) cholesterol intact.
5) Sterols and stanols extracted from plants saturate the body’s ability to absorb cholesterol from food. Companies are adding them to foods ranging from margarine and granola to orange juice and chocolate.
But living is not enough, you should start a healthy lifestyle by exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking.
