What Causes Low LDL?

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is commonly known as the bad type of cholesterol. LDL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol, a variation of LDL, are the four factors that determine a person's cholesterol count. According to the American Heart Association, too much LDL circulating in the blood can lead to a buildup of plaque on the walls of arteries that supply blood to the heart and brain. Over time the arteries lose flexibility, a condition called atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Limit Certain Fats

• Maintaining a healthy diet can lower LDL if it excludes foods that raise bad cholesterol. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has identified the types of fat that should be minimized or eliminated from the diet of a person who wants a lower LDL. Saturated fats are responsible for the greatest rise in LDL of everything included in a person's diet. The majority of saturated fats come from dairy products and meat, such as butter, cheese, pork and fatty beef. Foods containing these fats should compose no more than 7 percent of a person's daily diet. Trans Fats, also called partially hydrogenated oils, are found mainly in fried foods, but are also in products like margarine and crackers. Trans fats should make up less than one percent of a person's daily calories, and, because they naturally occur in small amounts in certain meat and dairy product, man-made trans fats should be eliminated from diets made to lower LDL when possible.

Eat Foods that Lower LDL

• Certain foods, when added to a person's diet, or used as substitutions, can naturally lower LDL. The MayoClinic.com suggests adding at least 5 to 10g of the soluble fiber in oatmeal per day reduces LDL, and may reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the bloodstream. Soluble fiber is also found in foods such as apples, kidney beans, pears and prunes. Fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that lower LDL, and decrease the risk of developing the blood clots that cause atherosclerosis. The polyunsaturated fatty acids found in nuts, like almonds and walnuts, can lower LDL and ensure healthy blood vessels. A handful a day can provide these benefits without adding too many extra calories.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Obesity and excess body weight can raise bad cholesterol, so maintaining a healthy weight is an effective method of lowering LDL, based on information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Constructing a nutritious diet based on foods that lower LDL, and committing to 30 minutes of physical activity about five days a week, is a good way of to reach and maintain a healthy weight.