Foods to Help Lower Cholesterol

High levels of bad cholesterol in the blood can be bad for your health and lead to the development of various diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. However, you need not worry. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), you can lower bad cholesterol levels be eating healthy foods.

Here are some of the best foods that can help you fight bad cholesterol.

1. Oats.
To obtain maximum results, you have to get used to replace breakfast by eating oats. According to the study, consumption of two servings of oats per day may lower bad cholesterol by 5.3 percent in just six weeks. Keep in mind, oats contain a substance called beta-glucans, which function in absorbing bad cholesterol.

2. Red wine.
Alcohol consumption is not always bad. According to the study, red grapes used in making red wine has an important effect in regulating cholesterol levels. Consumption of two glasses of red wine every week is believed to be of great benefit to your health.

3. The salmon.
Salmon is known as the best source of omega-3 fatty acids which play an important role in keeping cholesterol levels under control and prevent heart disease and stroke. Some types of fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring help in raising good cholesterol levels by 4 percent.

4. Nuts and seeds.
Monounsaturated fats found in nuts and seeds have a fatty acid molecules at low and is the best among the three types of fats, polyunsaturated fats, saturated fats and monounsaturated fats. Adding a menu of nuts in your diet can help lower cholesterol levels by 8 percent. Black beans, red beans, or pinto beans are the types that can be consumed to meet a third of your daily fiber needs.

5. Dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate rich in antioxidants and has a role to reduce cholesterol. In a study published in the Journal of Hepatology mentioned, the content of antioxidants in dark chocolate can reduce damage to blood vessels which in turn can threaten the health of people with cirrhosis (chronic liver disease). Experts advise to consume 100 grams of dark chocolate every day in helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 21 percent.