Every cell needs cholesterol.
Berries
Berriesincluding blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberriesare delicious and rich in heart-healthy fiber.
Apples
An apple a day may help prevent high cholesterol.
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Legumes
Legumesare plant foods that include beans, lentils, and peas.
Beans contain fiber, which binds to cholesterol and helps the body excrete it.
Nuts
Nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios are rich in fiber andomega-3 fatty acids.
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants known aspolyphenols.
Polyphenols may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
Garlic
Garlic comes from a flowering plant and contains compounds that may improve cholesterol.
A meta-analysis found that consuming large amounts of garlic can lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Flaxseed
Flaxseedsare rich in soluble fiber.
Consuming flaxseed may lower total and LDL cholesterol and blood lipid levels.
Eating flaxseed may also reduce the risk of heart disease.
Drinking tea may lower your cholesterol levels.
A Word From Verywell
A Mediterranean diet incorporates plenty of fiber while promoting heart health.
It is important to eatnutrient-dense foodsrich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and avoid calorie-dense foods.
Summary
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that every cell in the body needs to function.
The body produces enough cholesterol and also receives it through the diet.
Consuming too much cholesterol raises the risk of serious chronic health conditions like heart disease and stroke.
Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, oily fish, legumes, and nuts may lower cholesterol levels.
Try incorporating cholesterol-lowering foods into your eating plan each day.
Many of these foods also lower inflammation and triglyceride levels.
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