Are there foods that I can eat to raise my HDL cholesterol?

Yes.

- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

- Choose whole grains over refined grains.

- Choose lean protein sources, such as fish, chicken, and beans.

- Limit unhealthy fats. Avoid trans fats and limit your intake of saturated fats.

- Choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Examples include fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna), walnuts, flaxseed, and olive oil.

- Add soluble fibre to your diet. Soluble fibre is found in oats, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils.

- Drink alcohol in moderation if you choose to drink. Excessive alcohol intake can lower HDL cholesterol.

- Try plant sterols and stanols. Plant sterols and stanols are compounds that can help block the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. They are found in some foods, such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. You can also take them as a supplement.