Cholesterol Levels with These 7 Super Foods

The best meal for anyone worried about their cholesterol is a meal low in saturated fat and abundant in fruits and vegetables. And although there are no magic bullets beyond that healthy prescription, certain foods have been shown to give cholesterol levels an extra nudge in the right direction.

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  Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain lycopene (a phytochemical) that is known to lower cholesterol, cut risk of colorectal cancer and heart disease. Studies show that men who regularly eat food rich in lycopene have lesser chances of developing prostate cancer and heart disease. You might want to start enjoying tomato sauce as it has more lycopene. Cooked tomato works much better on your body that raw ones. So start adding it to your vegetables and salads. Tomato is also known to improve memory and other signs of aging.
   
   
   

   

  Avocado-
  This fruit (yep, it's a fruit!) is chock-full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that help knock down bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while boosting healthy HDL cholesterol. Even better, you'll love its mild flavor and creamy texture. Mash avocado into guacamole, add slices to a sandwich, chop it up in a salad, or -- for a tasty snack -- simply spread a little on whole-grain crackers with a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt. 
   
   

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     Green leafy vegetables and olive oil are vital for maintaining a healthy heart. One serving of leafy greens a day can be key to preventing heart disease. So add them in plenty to your daily diet
     
     
     
     

     

    Whole Grain: Starting the day with whole-grain cereal may lower the risk of heart failure in the long run, as whole grains protect against coronary heart disease

    
    

     

     Oats: Start your day with a bowl of oats! Oats are full of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium, and can help lower cholesterol levels and keep arteries clear.

     

     

     

     

     

    Brown rice: may be a better choice over white because it has an ingredient that protects against high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. It is also a good source of fibre and helps lower cholesterol levels in the body.

     

     

     

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      Tomatoes-
      Include lycopene-rich tomato products in your diet every day for a few weeks, and you may knock your bad LDL cholesterol levels down by as much as 10 percent, according to a recent study. Researchers think the lycopene in tomatoes inhibits LDL production while at the same time helping break down this artery-clogging fat. You'll need to consume at least 25 milligrams of lycopene a day for cholesterol benefits. That's about a half-cup of tomato sauce. Bring on the marinara!