There are many foods that can help to lower cholesterol levels. High levels are also dangerous because they can cause plaque formation in the arteries. This in turn can lead to heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
One way to reduce high cholesterol is to eat chocolate, which is rich in antioxidant flavonoids that can help normalise cholesterol levels.
Avocados contain high levels of oleic acid, which has a special effect in preventing too much cholesterol from entering the bloodstream.
Red wine and grapes are a rich source of resveratrol, an antioxidant that can prevent damage to blood vessels by lowering LDL cholesterol levels, but also minimising the risk of blood clots.
Both black and green tea are very rich in antioxidants, which can also play a major role in reducing high cholesterol.
Nuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which also help to stabilise cholesterol levels. This group includes pecans, cashews, almonds and pistachios, among others.
Whole grains, such as barley, oats and brown rice, contain high levels of soluble fibre, which is known to lower high LDL cholesterol levels, but also reduces its absorption in the bloodstream.
Fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are effective in reducing triglyceride levels. Olive oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which also play a role in normalising cholesterol levels.
Soy milk and soy-containing foods also contribute significantly to lowering high cholesterol. Beans and lentils and other legumes are rich in soluble fibre, which helps to flush bad cholesterol out of the body.
And pears and apples are very rich in a fibre called pectin. This is a fibre that also plays a prominent role in reducing high cholesterol.