A diet to lower cholesterol helps you to regulate the cholesterol in your body. Increased levels of bad cholesterol lead to heart problems and clogged arteries. It is important to regulate diet as one ages to control the production of cholesterol by the body.

A low cholesterol diet implies that you need to consume less of foods high in saturated fat and more of foods which lead to increased levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and help lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

Certain foods naturally lower LDL and trigger the production of HDL. A low cholesterol diet would mean the consumptions of such foods in the daily diet and avoidance of high saturated fat foods. The more saturated fat we consume, the more our liver produces LDL.

Some of the main foods which are a part of the low cholesterol diet are oat and rice bran, nuts, omega 3 fatty acids containing fish, soy, sterol fortified food, whole grains, fiber rich foods, legumes, garlic, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and E.

Are you wondering why this list looks familiar? Well these are all food items rich in protein and fiber. When we consume a lot of soluble fiber, the liver produces more HDL and less and less of LDL. This keeps away heart complications and keeps the blood flowing freely.

It is important to understand that all fatty foods are not harmful. In fact foods like avocado, olive oil, nuts, fishes etc, though high in fat content are part of the low cholesterol diet. The reason being, these foods are high in unsaturated fats, which are good for the body in general and heart in particular. The body needs these fats to function properly and produce HDL.

Start the day with a power breakfast of fiber rich oatmeal or rice bran. Add a fruit to complete the meal. You need to consume five portions of vegetables and fruits during the day. Juice doesn't count as it has no fiber. Garlic whether raw or cooked is a great way to lower your LDL counts.

Eat meat, high fat dairy products like butter, cheese, high fat milk, egg yolk, fried foods and other saturated fat foods in moderation. Cut down as much as you can. Other major sources of saturated fats are all those munchies and snacks that we buy off the shelves. Processed and packaged foods are high on sugar / salt and saturated fats, all not good for the cholesterol levels.

A good low cholesterol diet helps you fight your cholesterol problem and also keep it in control. Eat healthily and wisely.