High cholesterol is a common health condition that can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. A healthy diet can go a long way to lowering your cholesterol levels, the Mayo Clinic reports. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about changing your diet to lower your levels. You doctor can determine whether you can lower your cholesterol through diet alone or if medication is necessary.
High-Fiber Foods
The Mayo Clinic suggests eating foods high in dietary fiber to lower your cholesterol levels. The soluble fiber found in oatmeal and oat bran reduces levels of bad cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein. Adding fiber to your diet can help keep your body from absorbing bad cholesterol into your bloodstream. Try adding cooked oatmeal mixed with fresh fruit to your daily diet to increase your fiber intake. If you prefer cold cereals, look for a variety that contains oat bran.
Healthy Fats
Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet to lower your cholesterol levels. NBC-TV's "Today" Health reports that monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fats are good for your overall heart health. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids will raise your levels of good cholesterol, known as high-density lipoprotein, and decrease your triglyceride levels. These healthy fats are mostly found in fish. Add three servings of fish rich in omega-3 fats, such as salmon, to your diet to see cardiovascular benefits.
Nuts and olive oil are also good sources for healthy fats. Adding monounsaturated fats to your diet can raise your good cholesterol levels while lowering your levels of bad cholesterol. Snack on macadamia nuts, almonds, cashews or pecans to add monounsaturated fats to your diet. Dress your salads and cook your foods with olive oil to further increase your intake of healthy monounsaturated fats and benefit the overall health of your cardiovascular system.
Plant Sterols
Many companies add plant sterols to food items, such as orange juice and yogurt, to market the products as foods that are good for high cholesterol. Plant sterols are natural substances that help your body block the absorption of bad cholesterol; according to the Mayo Clinic, eating foods with added plant sterols can decrease your levels of bad cholesterol by as much as 10 percent. While plant sterols can lower your bad cholesterol levels, note that they don't do much to increase your levels of good cholesterol.
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