Diets to Help Lower Cholesterol

Take control of cholesterol with a cholesterol lowering diet.

Certain foods can play an important role in lowering cholesterol in a good cholesterol lowering diet. There are five main types of food that aid in the lowering of cholesterol levels. These include: Oatmeal, nuts, fish and omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil, and foods with plant sterols.

Understanding the benefits of each of these five types of food can help clarify why they are so important for lowering cholesterol. There are many options to consider with diets to help lower cholesterol and the basis is choices and sticking with them. Cholesterol lowering diet foods to stick with are included below.

Oatmeal and oat bran contain soluble fiber which reduces lipoprotein which is also known as "bad" cholesterol or LDL. Soluble fiber reduces the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed in the intestines. Soluble fiber is also found in kidney beans, and apples.

Nuts are very beneficial to help lower cholesterol. They can significantly reduce blood cholesterol. Walnuts are especially helpful with this and with keeping blood vessels healthy and elastic. It's important to eat only about a handful of nuts as they are high in calories. In addition to walnuts, almonds and pistachios are also helpful to lower cholesterol levels.

Fish contains cholesterol lowering benefits due to the omega-3 fatty acids in them. They can also reduce blood pressure and reduce the chance of blood clots. Two servings of fish a week is the recommended dose. Fish that have the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are mackerel and salmon.

Olive oil not only helps to lower cholesterol but it is heart healthy as well. It contains antioxidants that reduce "bad" cholesterol but leaves "good" cholesterol untouched. So whether using olive oil as a substitute for butter or added to a salad, one can take heart in knowing that it is good for the body.

Foods that are fortified with plant sterols help block the absorption of cholesterol. Yogurt drinks and orange juice are examples of sterols that are beneficial for lowering cholesterol. To see results it is recommended to drink about two 8-ounce servings per day.

Author: P. Terry, Cholesterol Lowering Product Reviews