Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is present in every cell of the body and is essential for several functions of the body.

But, too much cholesterol in the body can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. The good news is that lowering your cholesterol levels can be achieved by incorporating certain foods into your diet. Here are 30 foods that can help you lower your cholesterol levels.

Fruits

Fruits are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Here are some fruits that can help you lower your cholesterol levels:.

1. Apples

Apples are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one apple a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

2. Berries

Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating a cup of berries a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

3. Grapefruit

Grapefruit is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating half a grapefruit a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

4. Oranges

Oranges are rich in fiber and vitamin C, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one orange a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

Vegetables

Vegetables are also rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Here are some vegetables that can help you lower your cholesterol levels:.

5. Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one cup of broccoli a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

6. Carrots

Carrots are rich in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one cup of carrots a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

7. Spinach

Spinach is rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one cup of spinach a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

8. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one sweet potato a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

Grains

Grains such as oats and barley are rich in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Here are some grains that can help you lower your cholesterol levels:.

9. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one cup of oatmeal a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

10. Brown rice

Brown rice is rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one cup of brown rice a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

11. Barley

Barley is rich in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one cup of barley a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

12. Whole wheat bread

Whole wheat bread is rich in fiber and nutrients, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one slice of whole wheat bread a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in unsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Here are some nuts and seeds that can help you lower your cholesterol levels:.

13. Almonds

Almonds are rich in unsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating a handful of almonds a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

Related Article 10 Foods to Avoid to Keep Your Cholesterol in Check

14. Walnuts

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating a handful of walnuts a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

15. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

16. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one tablespoon of chia seeds a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating fatty fish two to three times a week can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

Miscellaneous

Here are some other foods that can help you lower your cholesterol levels:.

17. Avocado

Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating half an avocado a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

18. Red wine

Red wine is rich in antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Drinking one glass of red wine a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

19. Tea

Tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Drinking one or two cups of tea a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

20. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one or two squares of dark chocolate a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

21. Legumes

Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one cup of legumes a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

22. Olive oil

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Using olive oil instead of other oils and fats can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

23. Soy products

Soy products such as soy milk and tofu are rich in protein and fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one serving of soy products a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

24. Garlic

Garlic is rich in compounds that can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one or two cloves of garlic a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

25. Onions

Onions are rich in flavonoids, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one or two onions a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

26. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one or two tomatoes a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

27. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to your food or drink a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

28. Turmeric

Turmeric is rich in curcumin, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Adding a teaspoon of turmeric to your food or drink a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

29. Quinoa

Quinoa is rich in fiber and protein, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one cup of quinoa a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.

30. Applesauce

Applesauce is rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels. Eating one cup of unsweetened applesauce a day can help you lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.