Ways to Reduce Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can be dangerous, leading to heart attacks, blood clots and strokes. Fortunately, there are foods that naturally fight LDL cholesterol when consumed. Also, cutting out fats can reduce cholesterol. If dietary changes are not enough to help lower LDL cholesterol, then a patient may need to be placed on cholesterol medications. However, such medications should be used as a last resort, only when a diet has failed.

Foods

• Foods that contain plant stanols and sterols are proven to reduce LDL cholesterol by at least 10 percent, according to MayoClinic. Stanols and sterols directly block cholesterol absorption, and can be found in yogurt, margarine and orange juice. Two grams of stanols and sterols are needed every day in order to reap this benefit. An example is two glasses of orange juice. They do not affect HDL levels.

  Polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in nuts help to reduce cholesterol. Eat a handful a day of walnuts, almonds and other nuts. Do not exceed this amount, as nuts have a high calorie content.

  Oatmeal and oat bran reduce cholesterol because they contain soluble fiber that blocks its absorption in the intestines. Aim for at least 10g a day, roughly the amount of 2 cups of cooked oatmeal.

  Olive oil is packed with antioxidants which do not affect HDL cholesterol, but can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 2 tbsp. a day. Olive oil can be used as part of a salad dressing, as a marinade, and to sautee vegetables.

  Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish, help to reduce cholesterol levels. Eat two servings a week of albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, mackerel, salmon and sardines. Fish oil supplements, ground flaxseed and canola oil can be used as a substitute.

Reducing Fats

• While certain foods are needed to help reduce cholesterol, others should be avoided. Cut down on saturated fats, such as those found in oil and meat. Avoid trans fats as much as possible, as they are chemically based and are especially dangerous to the body. Common sources of trans fats are packaged and processed foods.

Medications

• The primary way to reduce cholesterol is through dieting. However, if this fails to lower cholesterol levels, then a doctor will likely prescribe a medication to complement a low-cholesterol food plan. There are five types of cholesterol medicines. Statins are the most effective because they in lower LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol. Examples of statins include Altocar, Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Pravachol and Zocor. The majority of users do not suffer from any reactions to these medicines.