Articles discusses an extensive list of foods that are known to lower cholesterol. If you follow the foods listed here, you will go a long way in lowering your cholesterol levels.

Must Have List Of Foods
That Lower Cholesterol

 by: Dave Saunders

Cholesterol is present in our bodies by one of two ways; our liver produces cholesterol and we eat foods containing cholesterol. High amounts of cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol that is bad for us, can lead to many health complications and significantly increase your risk of heart diseases.

While there are many foods that are high in LDL cholesterol, there are a lot, which can actually help to lower your LDL cholesterol levels and increase your HDL cholesterol or the good cholesterol. Here's a list of foods that lower cholesterol, which is a must have for anyone who is trying to reduce their LDL levels and increase their HDL levels.

Apples: Everyone has heard of the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". Well, apples are also very good for lowering your LDL cholesterol levels. 2 full apples, or 12 ounces of apple juice, if taken everyday, can reduce your risk of heart diseases by as much as 50%.

Garlic: Garlic helps to lower LDL cholesterol and thins your blood naturally. This prevents clogging up of arteries and thus lowers your risk of heart diseases.

Onions: Eating just half a raw onion everyday can increase your HDL levels by 25% and lower your LDL as well.

Beans and Legumes: These contain soluble fiber which helps to increase your HDL cholesterol and reduce your LDL cholesterol. All kinds of beans and legumes such as pinto, kidney, black-eyed, lentils, pink beans, etc are good for your heart.

Unsaturated Fats: Contrary to the misconception that all kinds of fat are bad for you, unsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids can actually be good for your heart. Monounsaturated fats (olive oil, canola, peanut, and almond oil) and polyunsaturated fats (corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil etc) increase the HDL cholesterol and lower the LDL cholesterol and are thus good for your heart.

Other Cholesterol Lowering Foods: Oats, fenugreek, artichokes, turmeric, guggul, green tea, nuts, and black tea, are all known to lower LDL cholesterol in your body.

Of course, diet is no substitute for a doctor’s care when you are ill. Diet and nutrition represent "the other side of the coin" and always inform your doctor whenever you make a dietary change, especially if you are on a pharmaceutical drug.

About The Author

Dave Saunders is a certified nutritional educator, wellness coach, member of the American International Association of Nutritional Education (AIANE) and author. He is also the host of a weekly, nation-wide telephone lecture on health and nutrition. For additional information, please visit www.glycoboy.com or www.glycowellness.com or email Dave at dave@glycoboy.com.

For more information about cholesterol and its effects on your body see:

Lower Your Cholesterol - Follow Low Cholesterol Diet
Low Cholesterol Diet - Reduce High Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol Policosanol Supplement - Natural Product to Lower Cholesterol
High Cholesterol - From Liquids We Drink Every Day
Lower Cholesterol Naturally - Two Natural Compounds For Good Results
Lower Bad Cholesterol - Using Pantethine and Niacin
High Cholesterol Risk Factors - Modification Through Lifestyle Changes
Reduce High Cholesterol - Manage Your Health
Food That Lowers Cholesterol - There's Good Variety
Tips To Lower Cholesterol 
Cholesterol, The Good, The Bad  - The Numbers That Count
Medicare Screening  - CardioVascular Screenings Every Five Years
National Cholesterol Education Program - Cholesterol Counts for Everyone
National Cholesterol Education Program - Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol
Medline Plus - Cholesterol Services and Providers
U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Keeping Cholesterol Under Control
Fats and Cholesterol - The Good, The Bad And The Healthy Diet