Cholesterol is a waxy substance the body uses to build cell walls and for other purposes, according to the National Institutes of Health. The human body needs some cholesterol to work properly. Too much cholesterol, however, may build up in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease. Your doctor can prescribe medications to control high cholesterol, but you can also lower cholesterol naturally. Discuss your cholesterol with your doctor before attempting to lower or raise your cholesterol levels.
Choose Healthy Fats
Your body needs some fat to function properly. Choosing healthy fats can help lower your cholesterol, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Avoid saturated fats and trans fats in favor of unsaturated fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat. Cooking with olive oil or canola oil is one way to add healthy fats to your diet. These oils also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol and may also provide heart health benefits.
Add Fiber
Adding soluble fiber to your diet can also help lower your cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fiber helps the body remove excess cholesterol naturally. It also helps your digestive system work properly. Adding oatmeal, oat bran or fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet is an easy way to help lower cholesterol naturally. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating oatmeal with fresh fruit added for a fiber-filled and delicious meal.
Try Supplements
Certain dietary supplements may also help lower your cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fish oil supplements provide omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help lower cholesterol. Flaxseed oil, garlic extract and green tea extract may also lower your low-density lipoproteins, also known as LDL or "bad" cholesterol. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding red yeast rice, however, as some preparations contain the cholesterol-drug lovastatin, but there is no way to know how much lovastatin is in the preparation or whether it has expired.
