Discover the best 11 foods to lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

Foods and ingredients that, incorporated into the diet, help us fight bad cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a molecule composed of fatty acids that, when found in excessive levels in the blood, can cause heart disease, which is why there is a general concern to lower cholesterol levels.

Exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and adding foods to lower bad cholesterol to the diet are the recommendations that doctors make to counteract this evil.

10 foods that help lower bad cholesterol

For cholesterol to be transported through the blood, it needs lipoproteins; When these are of low density and their levels are excessive, they accumulate in the circulatory system, blocking it, the so-called “bad cholesterol” appears.

On the other hand, if the lipoproteins are of high density, they transport the cholesterol that accumulates in the circulatory system and helps to eliminate it, it is the “good cholesterol”

What foods help lower bad cholesterol levels? Let’s see a few.

1. Oatmeal

It is the food par excellence in the mission of lowering bad cholesterol levels. It contains a fiber that, unlike other cereals, is soluble.

It is recommended to consume three grams of oats daily, and when cholesterol levels are not very high, in a few weeks they will drop considerably.

2. Apple

Eating an apple a day takes care of the arteries, as it reduces the absorption of the fact that other foods provide.

This fruit to a certain extent prevents cholesterol from adhering to the wall of the blood vessels thanks to the fact that it contains flavonoids.

It will also help you fight hypertension and not retain fluids. In short, regularly consuming apples is excellent for lowering blood cholesterol levels.

3. Flax and Chia Seeds

These seeds are a good source of omega 3 and studies show that their consumption reduces cholesterol between 6 and 13%. Chia seeds are also very rich in fiber and antioxidants.

They can be included in salads as the recommendation is that they be consumed without soaking.

4. Egg white

Contrary to the belief that eggs raise blood cholesterol levels, the fatty acids in egg whites help increase good cholesterol. Having two boiled egg whites for breakfast is one of the best food alternatives to lower bad cholesterol.

5. Vegetable oils

Sunflower, olive, or canola oil should substitute for oils of animal origin. These vegetable oils contain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Accompanying salads or vegetables and fruits with these oils that help lower cholesterol levels is an excellent option.

6. Eggplant

Eggplant is a fruit that contains chlorogenic acid that helps prevent good cholesterol from oxidizing. It also works by absorbing cholesterol in the blood. It should be eaten cooked and whole without removing the skin or the seeds.

Eggplant is a powerful food to lower cholesterol levels; just cut it into large pieces, cook it and consume it to notice results in a short time.

7. Walnuts

Walnuts contain a type of omega 3 that not only increases good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol, but also promotes the elasticity of blood vessels, prevents blood clots, and lowers high blood pressure.

It is enough to consume 3 or 4 a day for this seed to lower cholesterol levels. But you should not eat too many, as they contain a lot of fat.

8. Legumes

These are effective foods to lower bad cholesterol because they are a source of soluble fiber that works like a broom, sweeping it away and then eliminating it along with the feces.

But it is not the only function of legumes. When fiber is working, the liver needs more cholesterol to produce more bile salts, thus reducing its concentration.

Lentils, beans, chickpeas, and beans should be consumed regularly to reduce bad cholesterol in the body.

9. Blueberries

These berries increase good cholesterol and reduce blood pressure, artery stiffness, and general inflammation. In general, they are considered an excellent food to take care of the heart and their consumption is excellent for lowering good cholesterol.

Blueberries can be consumed dried or fresh and in either form is food that lowers cholesterol levels.

10. Fatty fish

Faced with a high level of cholesterol in the blood, we must eliminate the consumption of red meat. A good substitute for these is fish such as mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardine, or trout. They can be cooked on the grill.

These foods are rich in omega 3, so they lower blood pressure, prevent blood clotting, and therefore lower total cholesterol.

11. Almonds and chocolate

The surprise on the list of foods that lower bad cholesterol is chocolate. The truth is that the exact combination of almonds and chocolates has proven to be heart-healthy.

Research-backed by the University of Pennsylvania has shown that 20 g of almonds along with ¼ cup of dark chocolate reduce low-density lipoproteins, thereby lowering bad cholesterol.