When it comes to leading a healthy life, cholesterol lowering foods should not to be overlooked. Cholesterol is directly controlled by diet and exercise. If foods are being put into the body that are not healthy, cholesterol is bound to go up. Smoking is also a huge culprit in this epidemic. However, just as there are cholesterol rich foods, there are foods that have been proven to actually lower cholesterol! While a little bit of cholesterol is not bad, too much of it is really bad. So while attempting to lower cholesterol, it is suggested that as much cholesterol as possible is cut out of the diet.

Any food that contains fiber will help lower cholesterol. Of course, it is well known that fiber is an important element for the body in other aspects. Some fiber foods that are low in cholesterol are oatmeal, apples, and prunes.

Whole grains have become a new rage in recent dietary trends. You can now find whole grains in foods such as pancakes and bread. If there is ever a choice, take the whole grain. As an added bonus, whole grain foods also helps lessen your chances of heart disease.

In many countries, garlic is one of the main ingredients. One benefit of this is the cholesterol fighting component. It actually triggers the liver and makes it stop producing cholesterol! No wonder Dracula can’t stand it! It is good for you raw or cooked, so next time you prepare a meal, find a few places to drop in some garlic.

Fish

Other cholesterol lowering foods which are also a great source of fiber is fish and other seafood. Out of all fish, salmon is probably the best. It is the highest in fiber and protein. The fiber found in fish is unique in that it decreases the bad cholesterol and increases the amount of good cholesterol. So even if you are not a fish person, consider adding in a few bites here and there for the good of your health.

Nuts are also a good source of both fiber and protein. They help to improve the elasticity of the arteries, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help to lower cholesterol. However, be careful about the amount of nuts you eat, because they are high in calories.

They always say you should have a little green on your plate, this is no exception when looking for cholesterol lowering foods. The best is the dark green vegetables. They are best raw, because that keeps the fiber intact. Dark green foods are namely: cabbage, collard greens, and spinach. Do not drink vegetable juice. There is no fiber in the juice, and therefore will not help with your cholesterol. These vegetables also contain vitamin C and will help you lower your blood pressure as a bonus.

Lowering you cholesterol can be tasty. It does not have to be a treacherous experience. There are many cereals that promise big drops in cholesterol amounts, and you might try adding those into your daily routine. Either way, dropping the foods that are high in cholesterol and incorporating cholesterol lowering foods is most important.