LDL or low-density lipoprotein, which is your "bad" cholesterol, can stick to arterial walls and clog arteries. The lower your LDL cholesterol level is, the lower your chance of having a heart attack or stoke is, according to the American Heart Association. An LDL less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is considered optimal while an LDL over 190 mg/dL is considered very high---and should be of major concern. Before opting for prescription cholesterol-lowering medications, you may want to learn about which foods you can add or substitute into your diet to lower your LDL cholesterol.
Red Wine
Red wine is recommended by the Mayo Clinic because it can raise your good cholesterol and lower your bad cholesterol. Red wine has a compound called "resveratrol" that comes from the skin of grapes. The Mayo Clinic explains, "Resveratrol might be a key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces 'bad' cholesterol and prevents blood clots." However, drinking in moderation is key---excess or binge drinking can raise your total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
Nuts
The Harvard School of Public Health suggests nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, can lower your LDL cholesterol because they're rich in unsaturated healthy fats and high in fiber. According to the Mayo Clinic, soluble fiber reduces your low-density lipoprotein. Soluble fiber is thought to absorb cholesterol before it enters your bloodstream, not allowing it to clot or form blockages in the arteries. The Mayo Clinic lists walnuts and almonds in its list of the "Top 5 Foods to Lower Your [Cholesterol] Numbers."
Blueberries
Blueberries, generally regarded as an antioxidant that can slow aging, can also lower your cholesterol, according to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The Medical News, a website that highlights recent significant medical research, reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture found in 2004 that blueberries were rich in a compound called "pterostilbene," which acts much like the compound resveratrol in red wine. Pterostilbene was also found to behave like "ciprofibrate," a statin prescription medication for lowering cholesterol. Consider putting blueberries and walnuts over a bowl of oatmeal, and you'll have the ultimate high-fiber breakfast.
