Maintaining healthy diet is very important. What we eat not only affects weight, but also our energy levels as well as brain and heart health. Making the right food choices can be difficult and buying nutritional supplements can often be confusing, not to mention expensive. By eating the right foods, it is possible to help many health conditions.

Cholesterol seems to be in the spotlight recently. We all know that there are a lot of foods that raise cholesterol, but many foods can also help lower cholesterol naturally, and therefore reduce the risk of heart disease. Many people refer to these foods as “superfoods.” Depending on how bad your cholesterol may be, these superfoods can be good amongst themselves or used in conjunction with cholesterol-fighting medication.

5 Great Low Cholesterol Foods

1. Among the best food choice for lowering cholesterol is oatmeal (or oat bran), which contains high amounts of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber lowers overall cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol (or bad cholesterol). It should be noted the American Heart Association recommends eating 25 – 30 grams of dietary fiber (soluble and insoluble) a day. Soluble fiber forms a gel when ingested, and insoluble fiber pass through the body pretty much intact. Insoluble fiber is good for removing toxins from the body.
2. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and halibut, or any fish containing high levels of omega 3 fatty-acids are also very good for fighting cholesterol. Omega 3 can also help reduce blood pressure and improve brain functionality. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish as least twice week.
3. Walnuts and almonds also lower cholesterol in the blood and assist in maintaining blood vessels elasticity. Just a handful of these nuts a day will have a big impact.
4. Cooking with olive oil is another good way of lowering cholesterol. Olive oil contains antioxidants that get rid of LDL cholesterol, much like oatmeal. Foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols help block the absorption of cholesterol. These could be milk, margarine, yogurt, or even orange juice.
5. Flaxseed and legumes (beans) are also very good for lowering cholesterol. Eating the right type of food, keeping in moderation and getting plenty of exercise are the best ways for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.