If you are worried about your cholesterol being high, there are foods you can eat to lower it and keep it low. The body needs cholesterol to build cells. It is used for the creation of different hormones, substances for digestion and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is categorized as HDL and LDL. HDL is popularly known as “good cholesterol”. This helps to get rid of excess cholesterol in the body. LDL is the opposite of HDL, and if it builds up in excess, can contribute to heart disease and heart attack. If your cholesterol is high, talk to your doctor about prescription medications like repatha, praluent, and lipitor. Here are 6 superfoods that help to keep cholesterol low:

1.​ Avocados
Avocados contain fiber and monounsaturated fats that work to decrease LDLs while maximizing HDL levels. Studies show that overweight adults who eat one avocado each day have lesser levels of LDLs than individuals who don’t. Avocados have many benefits when consumed, used for hair treatment, or skincare. Eating avocados will help you to keep up “good cholesterol”. Avocados are packed with heart-healthy nutrients. These nutrients help in decreasing your cholesterol.

2.​ Nuts
Nuts are great sources of nutrients that promote heart health and lower LDLs.
Nuts are a great addition to your diet because of their many health benefits. They help with digestion and are excellent sources of antioxidants. Nuts have a lot of nutrients and some of these nutrients help with lowering LDLs. Nuts have a high concentration of monounsaturated fats. Different nuts have different nutrients that promote heart health and good cholesterol. Walnuts contain omega-fatty acids. This polyunsaturated fat is great for heart health. Nuts like almonds help by lowering blood pressure. Nuts also have compounds that block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. So, to keep your cholesterol low, you should eat more nuts.

3. ​Fatty fish
When eaten, fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon increases HDL cholesterol and lowers your risk of getting a stroke. Fatty acids from omega-3 are found in fatty fish. These improve heart health and lower your risk of inflammation. Fatty fish helps your cholesterol by causing an increase in your HDL cholesterol. Eating mackerel, salmon, herring, trout, and tuna will allow you to keep cholesterol low. It’s best to consume these fatty fish at least twice per week. Some preparation methods may make the fish unhealthy so it’s best to bake or grill them.

4.​ Oats
Eating oats introduce soluble fiber to your body that helps to reduce LDLs. Oatmeal is an excellent source of soluble fiber. This fiber lowers LDL cholesterol by reducing the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed into your bloodstream. If you consume at least 10 grams of soluble fiber each day, this will decrease your bad cholesterol. The more oats you eat, the lower your LDL cholesterol will be. Eating oats also improves heart health and decreases your risk of stroke.

5.​ Beans and legumes
Legumes like lentils, beans, and peas help to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce your chances of getting heart disease. Studies have shown that a diet high in legumes will lower your risk of developing high cholesterol and other diseases. Regular consumption of beans and legumes can also treat these diseases. Legumes and beans are rich in proteins, fiber, and minerals. These work to decrease your risk of heart disease.

6.​ Pectin rich fruits
Fruits rich in pectin are great for keeping cholesterol low because pectin specifically targets and lowers cholesterol levels. Most fruits are great sources of soluble fiber. These fibers work to stop the liver from producing cholesterol and encourages the body to get rid of it. Grapes, strawberries, apples, and citrus fruits are great sources of pectin. Pectin reduces cholesterol by 10%. So, to keep your cholesterol low you should eat more pectin-rich fruits.