Soluble Fiber

• Soluble fiber may lower LDL cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber can be found in oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes.
  
  

Nuts

• When consumed in moderation, walnuts, almonds and other nuts have been shown to lower cholesterol. Limiting nut consumption will keep caloric intake down.
  
  

Plant Sterols

• Plant sterols are shown to block the absorption of cholesterol. Some brands of margarine, yogurt drinks and orange juice are fortified with plant sterols.
  
  

Cooking Oil

• Olive oil may actually lower bad cholesterol and can easily replace other vegetable oils for general cooking purposes.
  
  

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial in lowering cholesterol. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are flaxseed, canola oil and fish-oil supplements.
  
  

Limit Meat Consumption

• Cuts of meat with visible fat should be limited to only a few ounces. Lean meats are a better option, and removing the skin from poultry also reduces the cholesterol content.
  
  

Avoid Saturated and Trans Fats

• Fried foods and commercially baked foods usually contain trans fats, which lower good cholesterol, or HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and raise your LDL cholesterol. Trans fats and saturated fats should be limited or avoided.