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

For me at least discussing foods low in cholesterol with others is fun. I guess some of that has to do with the fact that I do all of the cooking around our house and am always searching for foods low in cholesterol to round out our (what some would consider to be) heart healthy meals.

If you are just starting to get interested in cooking with foods low in cholesterol you may believe there aren't all that many choices. I do understand, after all ten years ago when I decided that my health should be put before that chili cheese dog and fries I thought the same thing. In this article we will be on the prowl for foods low in cholesterol that can be purchase at your local supermarket, not those that come from some recently discovered remote island only populated by natives who not only can't spell heart attack but never heard those two words before the heart healthy explorers came. No we will do our searching for foods low in cholesterol just down the street where the only hostile natives, alligators, or sharks will be the checkers who are a having a bad day.

Look for foods low in cholesterol that multiple cardiovascular benefits

There are three primary ways foods can help with heart and artery health.

*They simply can be low in fat and cholesterol and/or reduce blood cholesterol

*They can be high in cholesterol reducing soluble fiber

*They can help repair the interior lining of the arteries so cholesterol laden plaque deposits don't form in the first place.

What are some of the most dynamic foods that fit at least one of these criteria?

*Salmon: Most cardiologist consider this fish to be a super food for heart health. It is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which lower dangerous blood fats know as triglycerides, help to heal the arterial lining, and lower the risk of heart rhythm irregularities.

Note: If salmon is out of your budget consider tuna, lake trout, sardines, cod, or herring instead.

Cooking suggestions: Bake in foil with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. Any leftovers can be used for wraps or salads tomorrow night.

*Black beans: Black beans are high in cholesterol reducing soluble fiber, antioxidants, and magnesium. They not only will help with cholesterol but blood pressure as well.

Cooking suggestion: Adding black beans to soups and salads is fast, easy, and affordable.

*Colorful fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain virtually no cholesterol or fat. If you can find the willpower to keep meat servings to 4 ounces or less per meal and make up the difference with fruits and vegetables you will have taken a giant step towards lowering cholesterol levels and achieving better heart and artery health.

Cooking and an another idea: Food low cholesterol such as vegetables should be steamed. Adding garlic and olive oil are good choices to spice things up and add flavor. Also, adding a few blueberries or strawberries to a small cup of whole wheat cereal for an early evening snack is an excellent way to reduce cholesterol, boost antioxidants, and promote sleep.

What else? When foods low in cholesterol are simply not enough implementing a natural cholesterol reduction supplement just might give you that little extra boost to send high cholesterol packing once and for all.

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.

If you have been given a diagnosis by your physician that your cholesterol is too high there is something you can do to improve it. Through proper diet and nutrition, you can make sure that your next doctor's visit is a success. There are many healthy food sources of good cholesterol that you can consume that will not only make you healthier, but lower your overall ratio.

If you eat a large amount of meat in your diet then you will need to cut back. Meat contains a large proportion of triglycerides that are harmful to your diet. A better alternative is seafood, mainly fish. Cold water fish like salmon, and sardines contain omega 3. These are good cholesterol sources which you can eat. Not only are they high in good cholesterol, but if you bake them or steam them they low in calories as well.

For chocolate lovers everywhere you are in luck. Dark chocolate contains healthy levels of good cholesterol. Make sure that it is dark though and not milk chocolate. The milk and higher sugar content of milk chocolate are not a benefit for those with high cholesterol. You should try to consume no more than 70 grams a day.

Nuts are high in fat, but this fat is one of the healthy food sources of good cholesterol. The best nuts to eat are walnuts, flaxseeds, and Brazil nuts. If you have to choose just one nut then pick walnuts. They are the highest source of good cholesterol. You only need to eat a handful of these each day to be effective.

If you use oils while you are cooking your foods, you should switch to those that are high in good cholesterol. Olive oil, and canola oil are two such examples that you can substitute in your cooking. If you've never used them before the taste may be different, but not unpleasant. You will find that it doesn't take long before you won't notice the difference.

Eggs have been given a bad reputation. They are however an excellent healthy food source of good cholesterol. You simply need to make sure that the cooking method used doesn't add fat to it. So that means you can't fry it. A boiled or poached egg is a great way to enjoy this food.

If you have high cholesterol, then you can take healthy measures by eating foods that raise the HDL cholesterol levels in your body. This will improve your overall health and combat the bad cholesterol that you might consume. Just eat a few of the above foods will get you a lower cholesterol level without the use of prescription drugs.

High cholesterol is dangerous and it is crucial to control it at the earliest. To learn about supplements that can help lower cholesterol more naturally, I invite you to visit http://www.naturalcholesteroltreatment.net.

Rajagopalan helps you to understand how this natural remedy can help control cholesterol.