What to Eat to Lower Cholestrol?

Cholesterol is a type of body fat called lipid that is used by your body for tasks such as creating new cells. Your liver makes the cholesterol that your body needs, but the foods you ingest also contain an amount of cholesterol. Too much cholesterol hardens your body's arteries and can lead to problems such as heart attacks or stroke. Certain foods can actually lower your cholesterol level and help you avoid medication.

Oats

• Oats, oatmeal and oat bran contain soluble fiber that reduces your low-density liproprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol. Eating foods rich in soluble fiber such as prunes, apples and barley are a great wayto lower your count. Most cereals have soluble fiber and are a perfect way to start your day.

Nuts

• Certain nuts contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which aid in keeping blood vessels healthy. The best types for this condition are almonds, walnuts, peanuts and pistachios.

Fish

• The benefits from eating fish also affect high cholesterol levels. Fatty fish such as albacore tuna, lake trout and salmon are rich in omega-3 acids. High amounts of omega-3 fatty acids are another way to help your heart by reducing blood pressure and thus helping your arteries and cholesterol.