High cholesterol, and particularly high levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, contribute to heart disease and increase the risk of a heart attack. But cholesterol is largely modifiable, and changing what you eat can influence its effect.
Food can lower cholesterol in different ways, and various foods can offer unique effects. Some use soluble fiber to bind to and remove cholesterol before it circulates in your blood.
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Some offer polyunsaturated fats that directly lower LDL.
Others can block the body from absorbing cholesterol.
Here are some foods that can help lower cholesterol and ultimately improve heart health.
Oats: Oatmeal or cold oat-based cereals like Cheerios contain soluble fiber to help remove cholesterol. Adding a banana or some berries can help add even more fiber.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, peanuts (actually a legume), and other nuts may lower LDL through various means. They feature polyunsaturated fats and fiber, as well as other nutrients, to aid heart health.
Vegetable Oils: Liquid vegetable oils like canola, sunflower, safflower, or others, can help lower LDL. They are a good alternative to butter and lard when cooking.
Fatty Fish: Eating fatty fish 2-3 times per week can lower LDL too. It’s a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce triglycerides in the blood. Some easy-to-find options include salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel.
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Foods with Sterols and Stanols: Foods fortified with plant sterols and stanols can help the body block cholesterol absorption. A wide variety of foods, including margarine and orange juice, are available. Supplementing with plant sterols or stanols may also help.
Beans: Beans offer a blast of fiber that can help you reach the recommended daily 25-35 gram threshold. They help remove cholesterol and contribute to satiety, meaning you’re less likely to reach for a sugary snack after a meal, which can send LDL skyrocketing.
These aren’t all the foods that can contribute to lower cholesterol, but they offer a good starting point. Eating more unprocessed plant-based food and reducing sugar intake are the key.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
