Nuts

• Nuts are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans and pistachios can help the body reduce cholesterol in the blood. Nuts, in small portions, also help keep the body's blood vessels in good working order.
  
  

Oatmeal

• Oatmeal and oat bran contain high levels of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps decrease the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, in the body.
  
  

Olive Oil

• Olive oil has antioxidants that help the body lower LDL levels. Olive oil should replace other oils that have negative effects on the body. Cooking products such as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil and many margarines contain high levels of saturated and trans fats. Saturated and trans fats help the body raise bad cholesterol levels.
  
  

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in abundance in fish such as salmon, lake perch and sardines. Omega-3 fatty acids not only help the body reduce cholesterol levels, but they also help maintain a healthy heart.
  
  

Plant Sterols

• Plant sterols are found in the membranes of plants. When added to products such as orange juice and yogurts, plant sterols help keep cholesterol from being absorbed into the body.