Foods That Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally

High cholesterol is a common problem among men and women, especially today with the availability of fast food and the decrease amount of exercise people do. Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood and is normally produced in the body and has many important functions. The body needs cholesterol to survive. However, if the amount is excessive, it will contribute to heart disease such as heart attack and stroke, due to a buildup in blood vessels.
Fortunately, there are many foods that can help you to lower your cholesterol naturally. Here are some foods that can lower your cholesterol levels naturally:

Fish
According to the American Heart Association, eating at least two servings of fish per week can help lower cholesterol. Fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. In addition, fish is a good source of protein and can be used as a substitute for protein sources of high cholesterol foods, such as red meat.

Olive oil
Olive oil contains antioxidants and monounsaturated fats that can help to lower high cholesterol levels. Olive oil can be used as a substitute for salad oils that are rich in cholesterol. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend using at least 23 grams of olive oil per day or about 2 tablespoons to maintain a healthy heart.

Nuts
Nuts like walnuts, almonds, and peanuts, are rich in fiber that can reduce cholesterol levels by up to 5 percent with only a portion. But due to the high number of calories in nuts, the FDA suggests limiting nuts intake to only about a handful of nuts per day.  

Whole wheat
Whole wheat is an excellent source of soluble fiber which has been known to be helpful in lowering cholesterol levels. A serving of whole wheat typically contains at least 2 to 6 grams of soluble fiber. It acts as a cleanser of toxins in the bloodstream. MayoClinic recommends eating at least 50-10 grams of soluble fiber per day to help reduce cholesterol.

More: 15 Foods That Lower Your Cholesterol Levels