High LDL or "bad cholesterol" and low HDL or "good cholesterol" can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack. While cholesterol can be found in the food you eat, the Harvard School of Public Health claims that dietary cholesterol has significantly less effect on your cholesterol levels than the "type of fat" and the amount of sugar you eat. Eating foods that are high in fat and sugar can significantly increase cholesterol levels. If you are trying to lower your cholesterol, you should be aware of the foods that will help optimize your numbers.
Oatmeal
MayoClinic.com lists oatmeal as one of the food types that can significantly decrease the levels of LDL in the body. Oatmeal contains high amounts of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber can also be found in kidney beans, apples, grapefruit, prunes and barley. Soluble fiber is responsible for reducing the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed by the bloodstream. A healthy serving of oatmeal a day can give you a sufficient amount of fiber to stabilize your cholesterol levels. The Food and Drug Administration also recommends oatmeal as a heart-healthy food.
Fish
MayoClinic.com and the Cleveland Clinic recommend fish as a food that can reduce your cholesterol numbers. Fish has a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which can raise your good cholesterol and reduce your bad cholesterol, according to the Cleveland Clinic. For people who have a medical history of coronary artery disease, an intake of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of sudden death. The American Heart Association recommends at least two servings -- 6 oz. in total -- of fish per week. The fish highest in omega-3 fatty acids are lake trout, yellow-fin tuna, salmon, halibut, sardines and herring. You should grill or bake fish instead of frying to reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats.
Nuts
The Harvard School of Public Health and MayoClinic.com suggest nuts as a food to lower your cholesterol numbers. Like fish, nuts are high in healthful unsaturated fats. Like oatmeal, nuts are high in dietary fiber and are a healthy snack if they are unsweetened. Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios, peanuts and hazelnuts are all good choices.
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