Cholesterol healthy foods are something that everyone interested in lowering their cholesterol levels should be interested in. After all, it is not like we have to book a trip to a tropical rain forest located on the other side of the world to pick up our list of cholesterol healthy foods. In fact, they can all be found at our local supermarket or superstore at affordable prices. But the key to cholesterol health foods is simply knowing what to put into your shopping cart on your way to the checkout isle.

Cholesterol healthy foods

*Oatmeal and oat bran: Oatmeal and oat bran are two of the best sources of cholesterol lowering soluble fiber. The reason soluble fiber is such a big deal is that it absorbs cholesterol in the digestive tract like a sponge, mopping up that waxy substance before it has a chance to take up residence inside the arteries. Other great sources of soluble fiber are beans, barley, whole grain products, and apples or pears.

*Should I be going nuts for nuts?: Certain nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pecans are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as alpha linolenic acid (a good fat), and have been shown to significantly reduce blood cholesterol. They also seem to help arteries remain pliable, which is a major concern especially for those showing the early signs of atherosclerosis. But one caveat is their calorie content. According to the container of mixed nuts on my desk, a one ounce serving contains 310 calories. So if we are going to go nuts we must do so in moderation.

*Your ticket to lower cholesterol might have just swum in: Cold water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and cod are loaded with cholesterol lowering omega 3 fatty acids. According to the AMA two servings of fish are recommended weekly for heart health. But the truth is that not everyone can afford fresh salmon twice a week and if your current financial situation represents this reality then a fish oil supplement could be a good alternative. Additionally, despite the recent reduction in the number of ounces, canned tuna is still a good value and contains a respectable amount of omega 3 essential fatty acids.

*Olive oil: Olive oil has been a centerpiece for the Mediterranean diet for centuries and is a heart healthy alternative to cooking with butter. It is also a great substitute for high fat, high cholesterol, salad dressings and butter. While it is a valuable substitute for high fat options it also has the added benefit of lowering bad cholesterol. Virgin olive oil seems to produce the best results with the FDA recommending two tablespoons a day to capture its heart healthy benefits.

What else might help? Many have found that by combining cholesterol healthy foods with natural cholesterol reducing supplements they have been able to achieve even better results. If you have been searching for a side effect free way to speed your results natural cholesterol reduction supplements are an option worth considering.

Rob D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of safe and effective high quality alternative health products and natural living, with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com