Although cholesterol is produced naturally and used for hormone and cell production, elevated levels can have an adverse effect on the body. When cholesterol levels become too high, arterial plaque can form in a condition known as atherosclerosis. If left untreated, this can lead to a stroke or heart attack. A cholesterol lowering diet is used as a lifestyle modification to prevent this condition.
Reduced Calories
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for a number of chronic conditions, including high cholesterol. It especially has an adverse effect on LDL, which stands for low-density lipoprotein -- the bad type of cholesterol you want to keep low. By cutting back on calories, you can reduce your weight and simultaneously lower your LDL, levels according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. An easy way to drop one pound a week is by reducing your daily intake by 500 calories.
Avoidance of Certain Foods
Certain types of foods have a negative impact on cholesterol. In addition to the LDL produced naturally by your body, saturated fat, trans-fatty acids and dietary cholesterol can also raise blood cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. Foods to avoid on a cholesterol lowering diet include whole-fat dairy products, deep fried foods, commercial baked goods and processed meats. Packaged foods often contain trans fatty acids. Scan food labels and avoid anything with partially or fully hydrogenated oils.
Fiber
Fiber comes in the form of soluble and insoluble. The soluble type is the one that you want to turn your attention to when it comes to reducing cholesterol. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases total and LDL cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. Add foods like oatmeal, beans, apples, bananas, oat bran and barley to your diet.
Omega-3 Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats found in cold water fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, halibut and bluefish. They are called "essential" because the body cannot produce them on its own. Inuit Eskimos, who get high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from eating fatty fish, tend to have increased HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The acronym "HDL" stands for high-density lipoprotein, which is the good cholesterol. If you do not like fish, get your omega-3 fats from walnuts, flax seeds and flax seed oil.
Phytosterols
Plant sterols and stanols are known as phytosterols. These potent substances lower low density cholesterol by 6 to 15 percent, without lowering the good cholesterol, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Look for specially marked foods that are enriched with phytosterols the next time you go to the grocery store. Orange juice, margarine, yogurt and milk are common products that contain phytosterols.
