The best foods to lower cholesterol are the typical diet foods that everyone cringes to hear uttered. However, there are tricks to eating these kinds of foods that make them easier to swallow (no pun intended).
To start off with, cholesterol is a normal product of the body. It has its function, in fact. It aids in the manufacture and maintenance of cell membranes. The western diet consists of so many animal products that cholesterol levels can become hard to control. Too much cholesterol, and the arteries become blocked which in extreme cases can lead to heart attack or many other forms of heart disease. Too little cholesterol, and other attributes, such as a diminished sex drive and loss of energy occur. The normal levels for cholesterol are between 160 and 200 mg/dL. Make sure to know your number, and have it checked by your doctor every couple months.
Moderation
To lower cholesterol, it follows that you eat less foods that contain cholesterol. Your liver produces enough cholesterol for the body to function, so why do you need more? Cut back on the dairy products such as egg yolk, milk, cream, and butter. Also stop eating meat. This includes hamburgers, steak, other forms of beef, etc. After your cholesterol is under control, it is ok to have these items in moderation.
While getting a grasp on your cholesterol levels, it is ok to drink a little alcohol. A couple of glasses of red wine will help to stimulate the liver to produce good cholesterol. But do not overdo it.
The best foods to lower cholesterol are dark green vegetables. These are rich in fiber. The more fiber you eat, the easier it will be to lower your cholesterol levels. Eat raw vegetables such as collard greens, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, etc. Take fiber supplements to get more fiber.
Eat a lot of fruit. Apples and prunes are really good sources of fiber. Try to include a serving of vegetables and fruit at every meal. Since meat is not a good thing to have at the moment, eat a lot of poultry and fish. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are really good for the body. Be creative with your preparation. Cook the fish and marinate the vegetables in sauce. As long as the vegetables are still crunchy you will get some nourishment out of them.
In the morning, start off with some whole wheat cereal or some oatmeal. There are several cereals that claim to lower cholesterol in just a few weeks. You do not need to eat oatmeal plain, but do not overload on the sugar either. It is best if sugar is left out of the equation for the moment too.
Get some exercise, and make sure to see a doctor on a regular basis. The best foods to lower cholesterol are not always fun to eat, but they will be the ones that end up making you healthy and fit for a long time.