Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Fish and omega-3 fatty acids
Almonds and other nuts
Avocados
Olive oil
Foods with added plant sterols or stanols
Whey protein
Other changes to your diet
Content
Eat more fiber
Choose healthy fats
Add omega-3 foods
Pick whole grains
Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables
Try plant proteins
Limit foods that raise cholesterol
Build healthy eating habits
Add omega-3 foods
You also can support your heart by eating foods with omega-3 fats. These do not lower LDL cholesterol, but they help your heart in other ways. They can lower another type of fat in your blood, called triglycerides, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, herring and mackerel are good choices for omega-3 fats. Plant foods such as flaxseed and walnuts also are high in omega-3 fats.
Try to eat fish a few times each week. Baking or grilling the fish avoids adding unhealthy fats.
There are many dietary supplements available that can help with a heart-healthy diet including fiber, Omega-3 and fish oil supplements. Talk to your healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
