The food you eat needs to be healthy and nutritious to keep you in good health. Many health issues such as diabetes and cholesterol can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes. To help you understand the relationship between high cholesterol and foods, here are a few foods that are not only good for your health but also lower LDL or bad cholesterol.

1. Legumes
Pulses such as beans, lentils, and peas contain a lot of minerals, proteins, and fiber. Hence, when reviewing the link between high cholesterol and foods, opting for these instead of meat, especially red meat, might be useful in lowering your cholesterol levels and staying healthy. Kidney beans, black-eyed peas, and garbanzo beans are not only tasty but also take time to digest, making you feel full for a longer time. They are useful when trying to manage weight. Soybeans can also reduce your risk of developing heart disease, a common complication in people with high cholesterol.

2. Nuts and fish
When discussing high cholesterol and foods, nuts like almonds and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fat that can help improve heart health. The plant compounds in nuts also help to reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the intestines. Another food that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids is oily fish such as salmon.

3. Whole grains
Whole grains should also be on the list when talking about high cholesterol and foods. Whole grains contain vitamins, plant compounds, minerals, and fiber. Also, grains such as oats contain a soluble fiber known as beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol. Another grain that also contains this soluble fiber is barley.

4. Vegetable oils
Prepare your food using liquid vegetable oils such as sunflower or canola instead of butter, shortening, or lard. This is key in lowering and managing LDL cholesterol levels in the body.

5. Fruits
Citrus fruits, strawberries, grapes, and apples contain a soluble fiber known as pectin that can lower LDL cholesterol in the body. These fruits also contain many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that the body needs to function properly. Avocadoes have high monounsaturated fats that are required to raise the levels of HDL or good cholesterol in the body.

6. Vegetables
Low in calories, high in fiber such as pectin and antioxidants, vegetables such as carrots, okra, and eggplant should also be included in your foods to manage your cholesterol levels more effectively.

To understand the link between high cholesterol and foods, you can talk to your doctor to ensure you not only keep your cholesterol levels in check but also get all the nutrients you need to stay healthy.