A diet to lower cholesterol helps you to regulate the cholesterol in your body. Increased levels of bad cholesterol lead to heart problems and clogged arteries. It is important to regulate diet as one ages to control the production of cholesterol by the body.

Simply put a low cholesterol diet means a minimum consumption of saturated fat rich foods and increased consumption of foods which trigger the good cholesterol (HDL) and lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) levels.

Certain food groups work naturally to lower the LDL and promote the HDL levels. A low cholesterol diet is rich in such foods and avoids foods high in unsaturated fat. The production of LDL by the liver is exponentially related to the consumption of saturated fats.

Some of the main foods which are a part of the low cholesterol diet are oat and rice bran, nuts, omega 3 fatty acids containing fish, soy, sterol fortified food, whole grains, fiber rich foods, legumes, garlic, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and E.

You may have realized that most of the items listed above are high in fiber and protein content. This is true. Higher amounts of soluble-fiber aim to lower the LDL in our body and trigger the production of HDL, this reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications and also helps to keep the blood from thickening.

It is important to understand that all fatty foods are not harmful. In fact foods like avocado, olive oil, nuts, fishes etc, though high in fat content are part of the low cholesterol diet. The reason being, these foods are high in unsaturated fats, which are good for the body in general and heart in particular. The body needs these fats to function properly and produce HDL.

Start the day with a power breakfast of fiber rich oatmeal or rice bran. Add a fruit to complete the meal. You need to consume five portions of vegetables and fruits during the day. Juice doesn’t count as it has no fiber. Garlic whether raw or cooked is a great way to lower your LDL counts.

Processed and packaged foods are a store house of high cholesterol. They are high on salts or sugar and unsaturated fats. Their consumption leads to increased production of LDL by the liver. Other food items which are high on cholesterol are meat, egg yolk, full fat dairy produce, fried food items, and food cooked in saturated fats.

A good low cholesterol diet helps you fight your cholesterol problem and also keep it in control. Eat healthily and wisely.