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High cholesterol is a common problem among people of today and many people who have high cholesterol are told by their doctors that they must take statin drugs or other medications to lower their bad cholesterol or LDL. However, these drugs can cause other problems, including liver damage. There is a much safer alternative to costly and dangerous drugs for lowering your cholesterol and that is simply by adding these proven cholesterol-reducing foods to your diet.

1. Shiitake mushrooms: These are known to contain an amino acid called eritadenine which is noted for lowering cholesterol. Studies show that by adding shiitake mushrooms to the diet blood cholesterol levels can be lowered by almost 50%. Enjoy your shiitake mushrooms fried in real butter and only absorb half the fat! These can be bought fresh or dried, and shiitake suppliments are also made from the powdered dried mushrooms. Enjoy these protein-rich fungi as part of your daily diet.

2. Fish: Omega 3 fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and herring is known to help lower triglycerides and increase HDL or good cholesterol. Include these types of fish in your diet regularly and reap the benefits.

3. Garlic: This wonderfully aromatic bulb should be found in every larder and incorporated into almost every meal. Daily use of garlic has been shown to lower blood clotting and lower cholesterol levels. Garlic has many other medicinal purposes and should be considered a type of medicine as well as food seasoning.

4. Oatmeal: Studies have shown that consuming the soluble fiber found in oatmeal will reduce your LDL or bad cholesterol. Enjoy a cup and a half of cooked oatmeal daily to help lower your cholesterol.

5. Nuts: Almonds and walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Have 1/3 cup of these nuts for an afternoon snack and and help to bring that LDL down.

6. Cinnamon: This common kitchen spice has been shown to lower both triglycerides and LDL. Add half a teaspoon per day to your oatmeal for an added cholesterol-busting boost.

7. Brown Rice: The oil found in brown rice is known to lower cholesterol. A meal made with brown rice and salmon and seasoned liberally with garlic is a flavorful way to bring those cholesterol levels down.

8. Flax Seeds: A sprinkle of these on your oatmeal or in your salad will bring down the LDL and total cholesterol levels.

9. Vegetables: Lots of colorful veggies on your plate every day will surely bring down your cholesterol. Beans have special cholesterol lowering properties, so be sure to include lots of beans in your diet.

10: Olive Oil: Extra Virgin First Cold Pressed olive oil can be used in place of any cooking oil and its anti-oxidants will help to lower your LDL levels. Use about 2 Tbsp of olive oil daily to get its full benefits.

Eating a diet rich in all of the above ingredients is a healthy and natural way to bring those cholesterol levels down to protect your heart health.

Learn more about this author, Peg Ronnoco.
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