When people talk about lowering cholesterol levels in the body, it is the bad cholesterol that is being talked about. When bad cholesterol accumulates in the body, it can coat the insides of the blood vessels. This condition worsens if not addressed in time, affecting the healthy flow of blood to and from the heart. So, you should know about the foods that help lower cholesterol, enabling you to prevent medical issues related to this condition. Here are some of them:

Nuts
Nuts are good for heart health and can be effective ingredients to curb bad cholesterol in the body. Walnuts and almonds are among the most popular nuts that are rich in good fats that the body needs. The phytosterols in these nuts can help minimize the absorption of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in the intestines.

Oatmeal
As a versatile ingredient, oats can be added to sweet and savory dishes. The high-fiber content in oats helps in lowering bad cholesterol. Oats belong to the whole grains category, and whole grains are recommended to be included as critical components in everyday meals for people with high cholesterol levels.

Soybean
Soybean as well as its many derivatives, such as soy milk, edamame, miso, and others, can be good for lowering cholesterol. Tofu is another protein-packed ingredient that helps lower LDL levels. Edamame, in particular, is loaded with isoflavones. This protein powerhouse is also rich in soluble fiber.

Avocados
Avocados are rich in good fats, namely monounsaturated fatty acids. For people who have been diagnosed with a high level of cholesterol in the blood, adding avocados to the diet can be an effective remedy. It helps in promoting the long-term health of the heart.

Berries and other fruits
There are various types of berries and citrus fruits that are good at increasing good cholesterol in the body, and thus eliminating bad cholesterol. Fruits like grapes and strawberries are rich in pectin, which is known to be efficient in lowering the chances of heart diseases.

Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, a component that helps regulate blood pressure. Adding garlic to the diet can protect the heart from various diseases that can be caused by the deposition of bad fats or cholesterol in the body.

Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate without preservatives and artificial ingredients preserves the benefits of cocoa beans. They have a huge role to play in slowing down and curbing the oxidation of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream.

By including these foods in your diet, you can prevent the harmful effects of bad cholesterol in your body. These ingredients ensure that the levels of LDL in the body remain within permitted levels. This helps in preventing associated health conditions, such as stroke and heart attack.