Much is talked about Cholesterol and its control. Foods That May Lower Your Cholesterol Oats When women in a University of Toronto study added oat bran to an already heart-healthy diet, HDL-cholesterol levels—the beneficial kind—climbed more than 11 percent.
Almonds
A 2005 Tufts University study found that substances in almondskins help prevent LDL cholesterol from being oxidized, a processthat can otherwise damage the lining of blood vessels andincrease cardiovascular risk.
Beansand lentils
In results reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2005,LDL-cholesterol levels fell almost twice as far in volunteers on alow-fat diet who added beans and lentils (along with more wholegrains and vegetables) to the menu.
Blueberries
Blueberries contain a powerful antioxidant called pterostilbenethat may help lower LDL cholesterol, scientists at the AgriculturalResearch Service reported in 2004.
Barley
When volunteers in a 2004 USDA study added barley to thestandard American Heart Association diet, LDL-cholesterol levelsfell by up to 17 percent.
Avocados
The monounsaturated fats in avocados have been found to lowerbad LDLs and raise good HDLs, especially in people with mildlyelevated cholesterol.
Alcohol
Drinking a glass of wine with dinner—any alcoholic beverage, infact—has been shown to raise good-cholesterol levels and lowerthe risk of a heart attack. (Excessive drinking, however, raisesheart-disease danger.)