Cholesterol is a waxy substance present naturally in animal products and is also made in the liver. The body needs some cholesterol to function normally. The doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications if blood cholesterol levels are abnormally high. The extra cholesterol can deposit in the arteries and lead to blocked arteries, which puts patients at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Dietary cholesterol comes from foods rich in cholesterol and saturated fat like eggs, meats and fish. People with high blood cholesterol must avoid eating these foods or eat less of them. Certain foods also help reduce cholesterol.
Oats
For years, oats have been considered an important part of a heart-healthy eating plan. Oats contain soluble fiber. There is convincing evidence that the soluble fiber in oats can effectively reduce cholesterol levels, which makes them good for heart health, according to the Harvard Medical School. Soluble fiber stimulates cholesterol efflux by increasing bile excretion. The association of bile acid with cholesterol is re-absorbed in the intestine and is eliminated via feces.
Beans
Beans, low in cholesterol and saturated fat, are good meat substitutes. Findings confirm that the soluble fiber in beans also helps to reduce cholesterol levels, although the mechanisms that underlie the effect require further study, notes Harvard Medical School. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommends a daily intake of 1 to 2 grams of soluble fiber to reduce high blood cholesterol.
Soy
Soy proteins and soy isoflavones, the functional ingredients of soybeans, have become more popular because of their apparent health benefits. There is good evidence indicating that soy and soy products may have strong cholesterol-lowering effects, which makes them a good diet for cardiovascular health, according to the Harvard Medical School. Soy isoflavones may also affect "bad" cholesterol, but they do not appear to increase high-density lipoprotein or "good" cholesterol.
