A healthy diet comprises multiple types of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. When you or someone you know is suffering from high cholesterol levels, it is important to change your diet and make it healthy, as that is the only way to bring the cholesterol levels under control.

Here is a list of foods that consist of all the must-include nutrients for lowering cholesterol.

1. Avocados
Avocados are rich in fats and fiber. It helps reduce bad cholesterol from the body and increases the number of nutrients that further help control cholesterol. Avocados also possess a lot of good cholesterol, which is needed by our bodies for normal day-to-day functioning.

Research suggests that avocados can help in lowering cholesterol, even in obese people. It is a healthy alternative to many cholesterol-rich foods. Including avocados can significantly increase overall wellbeing.

2. Almonds and walnuts
Nuts should be added compulsorily into your diet if you’re trying to reduce your cholesterol levels. Walnuts are highly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for better heart health.

Almonds contain L-arginine, which regulates your blood pressure. You must include almonds in your daily diet. Other nuts are rich in nutrients that reduce cholesterol from your body and regulate the amount of calcium, magnesium, and potassium in your body. These further reduce the chances of developing any heart-related diseases.

3. Oats, barley, and other whole grains
Many studies support the evidence that eating oats, barley, and other whole grains do reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disorders.

Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, whole grains make an ideal choice to maintain heart health. They are a much better option than refined grains. For instance, oats contain beta-glucan, which is a type of fiber that helps reduce cholesterol. Barley, another whole grain, also reduces bad cholesterol and keeps you healthy and fit.

4. Legumes
More commonly known as pulses, legumes are a collection of beans, peas, and lentils. Legumes are rich in fiber, minerals, and protein that are useful for reducing cholesterol and maintaining ideal health. Doctors recommend adding legumes, or pulses, to your daily diet.

Soybeans are another type of pulses that are considered helpful for reducing the chances of heart diseases. Soybeans and food products made from soy are rich in good cholesterol and help break down bad cholesterol from your body.

5. Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is known to be a healthier alternative for butter, lard, among others; they help bring down bad cholesterol. Vegetable oils contain an agent called phytosterols that helps prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. So, doctors recommend using vegetable oil as much as possible because only a large amount of phytosterols is known to work most effectively against bad cholesterol.

These nutritious foods lower cholesterol and must include in your daily diet. They also greatly improve your health and prevent the onset of any heart diseases.