Top 10 Foods to Lower Cholesterol

Some foods are known to raise cholesterol. Some are known to lower cholesterol. Replace the bad foods with the right foods. It’s like killing two birds with one stone. The majority of us know unhealthy meals when we see it.

Nonetheless, it is not so evident which foods are delicious, especially in regards to reducing cholesterol. So here’s the list of this Top 10 foods to lower cholesterol. Most listings in this way are very similar, which means they are probably accurate as well.

1. Dark Chocolate

This is an excellent alternative because it tastes great and helps to lower your cholesterol. How does dark chocolate do this? It contains flavonols which contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Use chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa.

2. Almonds and Walnuts and Pistachios

These nuts contain unsaturated fat, which is the right kind of fat. Unsaturated fat helps lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and raise good (HDL) cholesterol. It also makes LDL less likely to oxidize, which is a process that harms the arteries. Many studies report a reduction in cholesterol with the consumption of these nuts.

3. Olive Oil

Another food that contains unsaturated fat that, as mentioned above, helps reduce bad cholesterol and raise decent cholesterol. You can use olive oil as a replacement for butter when skillet. It tastes great too!

4. Oatmeal

Another high tasting foods, especially if you add some blueberries or other favorite fruit. Oatmeal is a fantastic source of potassium that helps prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

5. Blueberries

I’ve already mentioned blueberries. Why are blueberries so nutritious? They are packed with vitamin C and dietary fiber. They also contain antioxidants called polyphenols. Blueberries contain pterostilbene, which is believed to lower cholesterol. Another super healthy food that tastes great!

6. Avocado

Avocado is high in unsaturated fat. But, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Dec. 14, 2010, the monounsaturated fats in avocados help lower serum lipids, including LDL cholesterol. I have heard people say that they dramatically lowered their cholesterol level by eating an avocado every week over less than one year. I’m talking like 20 to 30 percent lower. This must be powerfully nutritious food.

We’ve used avocado in recipes such as lasagna and soup. And of course, Guacamole is made up mostly of Avocado.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene, which may help lower cholesterol. Lycopene inhibits lousy cholesterol (LDL) and breaks it down, making it less harmful. Tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes will provide the Lycopene benefit!

8. Flaxseed or flaxseed oil

You can buy flax seed ground or as whole seeds. It can be used in baking or for sprinkling on top of salads and other foods. We’ve used it to make banana bread, and it tastes great!

9. Garlic

Another food that tastes good and is very healthy. Use it with salads, soups, and sandwiches. It’s most healthy in its raw form.

10. Spinach

Spinach is packed with fiber and lutein that can reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol. Lutein may also help prevent heart disease because it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Every one of these foods is nutritious and may help lower cholesterol. Now that you know what these foods are, you currently have to take action and eat these foods in place of bad foods. Make it your routine to use these foods, and you’ll very likely see the benefit from it.

I’m in the process of changing my diet to include all the foods listed above. I’m happy to say that the change has been pretty easy. I’ve discovered that healthy foods taste just as good, or better than unhealthy foods.