Cholesterol, a waxy substance in the blood, helps your body build healthy cells. However, having high levels of bad cholesterol, especially low-density lipoprotein or LDL may clog the arteries and elevate the risk of heart conditions. According to experts, your diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. This is why certain changes may help keep cholesterol levels in check and support heart-healthy living. Here are some superfoods for high cholesterol that you must add to your diet.

1. Oatmeal
An oatmeal bowl for breakfast provides you with about two grams of soluble fiber. You can also add a few pieces of bananas and strawberries for better taste and nutrition. Including this superfood in your diet is one of the easiest ways to alleviate cholesterol levels in the blood.

2. Nuts
Nuts are important superfoods for high cholesterol. Almonds and walnuts are packed with nutrients and monounsaturated fats. Nuts provide important amino acids to the body and help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. According to experts, you must add 2-3 servings of nuts to your diet to alleviate bad cholesterol levels.

3. Whole Grains
Whole grains, especially oats and barley, are great for keeping cholesterol levels in check. These grains provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant compounds to the body and help reduce bad cholesterol levels. Beta-glucan present in oats and barley may lower cholesterol.

4. Fruits and Berries
Fruits contain important nutrients and soluble fiber that help remove bad cholesterol from the blood. A type of soluble fiber called pectin may lower cholesterol levels by up to 10%. It is present in grapes, apples, citrus fruits, and strawberries. The bioactive compounds in fruits exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and help prevent heart conditions.

5. Avocado
This nutrient-dense fruit is a wonderful source of fiber and monounsaturated fats. Adding avocados to your diet may help lower the levels of bad cholesterol or LDL and raise those of good cholesterol or HDL in the blood .

6. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most effective superfoods for high cholesterol. It has many powerful plant compounds that may keep cholesterol levels in check and alleviate the risk of heart conditions. Having a clove of garlic every day will do wonders for cholesterol levels.

7. Vegetables
They are important for the health of your heart and blood vessels as they contain important nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber and are low in calories. Carrots, okra, eggplants, and potatoes contain a cholesterol-reducing soluble fiber called pectin. They also have a range of plant compounds that are beneficial for your heart and overall health.

Apart from increasing the intake of these superfoods for high cholesterol, you must also maintain an active lifestyle for healthy cholesterol levels. A combination of a healthy diet and workout will prevent clogging of the arteries and alleviate the risk of heart conditions.