12 Foods That Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Diet plays a very important role for lowering the cholesterol. Take a diet which is rich in fiber, eggs, lean meat, low fat milk, omega 3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables. Plus avoid the excessive consumption of saturated fats, red meat and organ meat. Along with this decrease the intake of pastries, deep fried snacks, sweets, cream, butter, ghee, mayonnaise, sausages and fast foods. They increase the bad cholesterol and can be harmful for the body.

Cholesterol is the greasy substance produced by the liver which is required to make vitamin D and certain hormones. It is required to build up the cells and to maintain the metabolism of certain vitamins. Although it is essential for the normal functioning of the body but too much of the cholesterol can be harmful and it can be the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, myocardial infarction and hypertension.

There are some beneficial foods which can be helpful to lower the cholesterol and these are:

Walnuts: Walnuts is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and they also keep the blood vessels healthy. They are helpful to lower the LDL which is the bad cholesterol and increase the HDL which is the good cholesterol.

Garlic: Garlic is also one of the beneficial foods for lowering the cholesterol and other heart ailments. But one should take it in raw form for more health benefits as cooking destroy some of the benefits. So you can add it in salads or can take it as it is.

Tomatoes: Lycopene present in tomatoes can help to reduce the cholesterol levels. Lycopene is an antioxidant and is beneficial for preventing many other diseases also.

Salmon: It helps to lower the bad cholesterol from the body. Salmon is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which are beneficial for lowering triglycerides levels. But be sure to take the steamed or grilled fish instead of fried and oily one.

Soy: Soy and soy products are beneficial in reducing the cholesterol levels. They are also high in other important vitamins and minerals which are required for the overall health.

Oats: Oats are a great source of soluble fiber which blocks the body's ability to absorb cholesterol. It helps the body to lower the level of LDL in the body. You can take oats in the breakfast with or without milk. Oats can also be taken in the yogurt. You can add some fresh foods into it to make them more palatable.

Red Wine: Red wine increase the HDL which is the high density lipoproteins. HDL is the good cholesterol and it prevents LDL which is bad cholesterol. It also prevents the formation of blood clots and reduces the blood vessels damage.

Olives: Olives are high in monounsaturated fatty acids which are heart friendly. These fatty acids lower the LDL which is the bad cholesterol and increase the HDL. Along with this olives also contain linolenic acid which is an omega 3 fatty acid and an important antioxidant which can lower the triglycerides. Thus we can say that olives are helpful to reduce the bad cholesterol from the body.