5 Foods that Help to Lower Your Cholesterol

High cholesterol is just one of the many health problems Americans are facing. This is no longer a condition that older people face. In fact, several people in their 20s and 30s are beginning to have problems with high cholesterol. Of course, this shouldn’t come as a big surprise. Americans are eating out more and more, not only biggy sizing their meals, but their waist bands as well. Luckily there are foods that will naturally help to lower your cholesterol level.

5 Foods That Help to Lower Your Cholesterol #1: Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of those super foods that not only keeps you full until lunch, but amazingly helps to lower your cholesterol as well. Oatmeal is the perfect breakfast choice if you are trying to lower your cholesterol levels. The reason oatmeal is so good at lowering cholesterol levels is the high amount of fiber found in oatmeal. A serving of oatmeal, which is ¾, has 6 grams of fiber. Now you may be wondering why this fiber is so important to lowering your cholesterol. Fiber helps to move impurities out of the body; this includes cholesterol and fat. The fiber in oatmeal will also keep you full, helping you to avoid eating unhealthy foods before lunchtime.

5 Foods That Help to Lower Your Cholesterol #2: Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of those foods that people tend to stay away from. People have been taught that oils are high in fat and olive oil is no different, but olive oil is a heart healthy fat. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, which are quite unique. Monounsaturated fats lower bad cholesterol while increasing the level of good cholesterol in your body. This makes olive oil very healthy because the good levels of cholesterol (HDL) will clear your arteries while the bad levels (LDL) will help to clog your arteries. When choosing a fat to cook in, olive oil is the perfect solution.

5 Foods That Help to Lower Your Cholesterol #3: Salmon

Salmon is another unique food that will lower bad cholesterol while increasing the level of good cholesterol. The fats in salmon, and other fatty fishes, are polyunsaturated. Specifically, salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids. The only downside to consuming Omega-3 fatty acids is too much can cause health risks. When eating salmon, and other fatty fishes to lower your cholesterol, limit your intake to 2 times per week.

5 Foods That Help to Lower Your Cholesterol #4: Nuts

Nuts work in a variety of different ways to help lower bad cholesterol levels. Walnuts, for example, are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Also almonds contain monounsaturated fats. While you may have steered clear of nuts in the past, because of their fat content, it’s important to know that nuts contain heart healthy fats. These heart healthy fats make nuts a wonderful way to lower your cholesterol. One important thing to remember though is to choose raw nuts, stay away from canned nuts.

5 Foods That Help to Lower Your Cholesterol #5: Beans

Beans are another food that is high in fiber. This high fiber content allows your body to more easily move bad cholesterol through your system. Foods high in fiber are important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, many people are only getting 12-15 grams of fiber in their daily diet. The average person should be getting 20-35 grams of fiber per day. To easily lower your cholesterol levels, bump up the amount of fiber you consume each day.

Reference:

• www.webmd.com