Cholesterol is necessary for human cell growth and development. It is that form of fat which can be found in the blood circulated throughout our body systems. Cholesterol is important for forming cell membranes, but at the same time, too much of cholesterol can lead to building up of fats in the vital arteries that carry blood from and to the heart.

Cholesterol is divided into two main categories, LDL and HDL

LDL:

Alternatively, known as low-density lipoproteins are bad cholesterol which carries the cholesterol to the heart leading to building up in the arteries and thus causing blockage, interrupting blood supply. This blockage if not treated properly can lead to some complications including heart disease and brain strokes, which are all caused due to the reduced blood supply to the most vital organ in the human body.

HDL:
High-density lipoprotein is also known as good cholesterol because unlike LDL, this carries the fats away from vital organs and thus avoiding the risk of artery blockage. The body should always maintain high levels of HDL which reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The two main sources of cholesterol in your body come from your liver, which produces the required amount necessary on a daily basis. The second source is the food you eat, which is a collective of different sources of good and bad cholesterol. This is why having a balanced diet will ensure that the cholesterol levels remain optimum.

Since the liver already manufactures the required amount, anything over and above the limit will bound to cause problems to our system. This does not necessarily mean the cholesterol intake should be completed halted, but one needs to know how to lower cholesterol. But it is advisable to have foods which are rich sources of good cholesterol being the good cholesterol and reduce LDL rich foods to match what the liver already makes in a day.

Controlling cholesterol levels can be quite a challenge due to some reason, and this is where these facts come in handy about cholesterol levels and how to lower cholesterol:

• Consume foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids:
  As we already know, consuming certain types of food will help maintain your LDL levels and also promote good cholesterol levels in your body. Consuming foods which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids help increase good cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of any major cardio diseases and discomforts.
• High fiber content foods are great:
  Foods that are rich in fiber can absorb cholesterol and flush it out of your system. Fruits, vegetable, sprouts and certain types of seeds are highly rich in fiber and are the answer to how to lower cholesterol.
• Swap oils:
  Certain types of oil like olive oil will help raise the HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Swap your vegetable oil in cooking for olive oil instead which promotes a healthier and tastier diet option. Olive oil is rich in natural compounds that help clean the clogged arteries and get rid of any traces of LDL thus promoting a balanced level.
• Herbs are a great option:
  Certain herbs which are very easy to use in most of your cooking recipes like rosemary and basil contain antioxidants which help lower cholesterol levels naturally. Increase the use of turmeric in your food, which helps promote a healthy cardio diet to match with regular exercise and activity to burn off any excess fat, answering people who are asking the same question which is how to lower cholesterol levels.
• Choose foods which are low in saturated fats:
  Whether processed or prepared, foods which are high in trans-fat and saturated fats will raise your cholesterol levels and thus reducing consumption of such foods is important. Products like meat, dairy and dairy products rich in fat, will all add to your cholesterol levels. Almonds, avocados, walnuts are all good sources of healthy fat which can be easily substituted for trans-fat ingredients in certain recipes to have a more robust and well-balanced diet being the solution on how to lower cholesterol levels.
• Avoid packaged foods:
  Packaged foods will have a lot of trans fat and saturated fats, which are slowly forming a dominant part of your diet. Everything is easy to make when it comes in packages, but at the same time, it is a very unhealthy option as opposed to buying fresh products and preparing dishes at home. This shortcut is not healthy for the long run, but making a few lifestyle changes will ensure a good low cholesterol diet.
• Choose whole grain food variants:
  Whole grains have many nutrients which promote good health and help tackle cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy outlook. Foods like whole grain bread, flour, brown rice can all be substituted for ingredients which are otherwise loaded with gluten or fats. Substituting instead of eliminating ingredients will help you diet and not force you to make compromises. A simple answer to how to lower cholesterol levels.
• Exercise is a must:
  At the end of the day, all changes won’t be effective if you cannot find the time to exercise and burn those unhealthy fats along with maintaining a healthy diet. A simple solution on how to lower cholesterol levels.