How To Reduce Cholesterol Level 

What is 'Bad Cholesterol'?

Bad cholesterol has been linked to heart disease, hypertension and other illnesses so it's in your interest to be aware of ways to reduce cholesterol levels in your body. A very good and simple way to achieve this is by watching what you eat and choosing food that lower bad cholesterol.

There are two kinds of cholesterol, one is good for you and the other is not so good for you. High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) that carries cholesterol around the body is called 'good cholesterol' because they can actually remove cholesterol from the arteries.

Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) on the other hand also carries cholesterol around the body but it has been linked to cardiovascular diseases and is known commonly as 'bad cholesterol'

Triglycerides are also an important factor as they are found in dietary fat and can be stored as fat in the body.

The objective for any healthy diet that you choose should be to maximise your HDL and minimise your LDL. So how do you achieve such a diet? You should try to eat foods that increase your HDL level and lower your LDL levels so all you need to know is what cholesterol healthy food to eat and which foods to avoid.

Please make sure that you consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet. Information on this page is provided for information only.


Foods that lower bad cholesterol
Here is a free list of low cholesterol food that help lower cholesterol in your body, try to include as many of them as possible in your diet.

Alfalfa

Contains saponins, which can bind to cholesterol in diet preventing it from being absorbed into the body. This has the effect of reducing LDL levels in the body.

Oatmeal, Bran, Kidney beans, Peas, Citrus fruits, Apples, Broccoli

These foods all contain soluble fibre, which can reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food, which tends to reduce LDL levels.

Walnuts and almonds

Nuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Studies have shown marked reductions in cholesterol levels when walnuts, almonds and other nuts have been used in moderation in the diet. You should be careful not to overdo the nuts however because they are also high in calories. Too many nuts can have the side effect of increased weight, which may not be a good idea.

Walnuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels. Nuts are a good food to lower your cholesterol levels.

Olive oil, Peanut butter, Avocado

Contain monounsaturated fats, which helps to replace saturated fats, which can raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol.

Fish, Flaxseed, Soybean oil, Canola oil

Fish and other products containing omega-3 fatty acids are believed to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerids in the body.

Tofu, Soymilk, Soy nuts

Soy-based products can lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.

Low fat milk

Low fat milk contains less fat, which means less cholesterol.

The list of food that lower bad cholesterol above is not comprehensive and no guarantees can be made regarding results that you may or may not enjoy as a result of including them in your diet. While these foods should help most people in their fight against bad cholesterol you must find out what works for you in your own way.