Certain foods can help bring down high cholesterol levels naturally, without the potentially dangerous side effects of statin medications.

“By increasing your intake of soluble fiber you can significantly lower your blood cholesterol levels,” Gabe Mirkin M.D., author of The Healthy Heart Miracle, tells Newsmax Health.

In fact, some people are able to reduce or eliminate statins by changing their diet.

Here are six super foods that can drive down blood cholesterol:

1. Oats. Start your day with a bowl of oatmeal or cold oat-based cereal like Cheerios. Look for oat cereals with 1-2 grams of soluble fiber per serving.

Add a sliced banana for even more heart-healthy fiber.

“Soluble fiber passes into your colon where bacteria break it down to form short chain fatty acids that help block the formation of LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, the ‘bad’ cholesterol which can cause arterial damage,” says Dr. Mirkin.

2. Beans. They are also rich in soluble fiber and take long to digest so you feel fuller, longer. So they’re an excellent choice if you’re looking to lose weight.

There are many choices – from navy, garbanzo, lentils, black-eyed peas, and beyond.

3. Nuts. Studies have shown that eating just two ounces of nuts daily can lower LDL. Although 80 percent of the calories in nuts come from fat, it’s unsaturated fat, which helps lower LDL levels, decreases risk of blood clots, and improves the lining of your arteries. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts are three excellent choices.

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SOURCE: Newsmax
Lynn Allison