Many people misinterpret that taking drugs is the easy way to lower cholesterol. However, there are some natural ways that help you reduce cholesterol without much effort.

• Take chocolate:

It is one of the most delicious ways to lower bad cholesterol naturally. Many people believe that chocolates are bad for cholesterol levels. However, chocolates, especially the dark ones help to reduce the blood cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health. They are rich in 18-carbon stearic acid that can lower LDL cholesterol level in your blood stream.  You can take dark chocolates in moderation instead of taking snacks like potato chips, bagels and muffins.

• Poultry:

You can take boneless, skinless chicken breasts that supply essential protein without increasing fat or calories. Chicken breast offers an easy way to lower your cholesterol level, as it contains low fat when compared to other types of meat. However, it is not advisable to take fried chicken. You can bake it or grill it and take.

• Turmeric:

Turmeric is renowned for its numerous health attributes. Now researches have proved that it has the capacity to lower cholesterol levels. It provides a dietary boost to your body to reduce cholesterol.

• Oyster mushrooms:

Oyster mushroom is a nutritious daily diet for all. It is beneficial in reducing bad cholesterol levels. It is rich in antibiotic properties that offer various health benefits. It is low in sodium, potassium, fat and calorific value, so it is the best food for those who suffer from obesity and cholesterol related health problems.

• Use liquid vegetable oils:

You can use liquid vegetable oils like sunflower oil, soybean, safflower, canola and olive instead of butter, margarine and shortening.

• Fish:

Fish is one of the best foods that help you reduce cholesterol naturally and easily. You can substitute meat with fish once or twice a week. It supplies a low amount of saturated fat that in turn reduces your blood cholesterol level. A study shows that those who take eight ounces or more fish in a week, especially the types rich in omega 3 fatty acids like tuna and salmon lower their risk of getting high cholesterol problem and fatal heart attack significantly.

• Almonds:

Taking two and a half ounces of almonds daily can lower your cholesterol level by 12%. They contain more than 400 calories, but they do not have any fat. Eating almonds gives a feeling of fullness and thereby avoiding  craving for eating high cholesterol foods.

Recent surveys have shown that many people are aiming to reduce the LDL cholesterol level. Though medications are available to lower high cholesterol, it is advisable to go for natural remedies that help you reduce bad cholesterol from your blood stream.

• The best natural remedy to reduce high cholesterol level is to drink 8 to 10 glasses daily. You can boil cinnamon sticks in water and drink it warm with honey. Cinnamon has blood thinning properties that can help lower blood cholesterol levels.
• Grapes help to reduce bad cholesterol. Grape seed oil is proved to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
• Garlic has been shown to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in blood. Both raw and processed garlic can give the beneficial effects.  You can take 2 to 3 cloves of garlic in a day. If you find it hard to take garlic cloves as such, you can take it with some vegetable salads.
• Taking whole grains like brown rice, oats and barley, legumes, leafy vegetables, cold water fish that contains omega 3 fatty acids and oyster mushrooms are some of the effective cholesterol fighting foods. You can include any one or two of them in your daily diet.
• Researches show that chronic stress can increase cholesterol levels. You can follow meditation or some other relaxation techniques to cope with stress.
• Turmeric is effectual in lowering your cholesterol levels. It is advisable to use turmeric liberally while cooking.
• Coffee is closely associated with elevated cholesterol levels. If you find it difficult to avoid taking coffee completely, you can take coffee brewed with paper filters. The filter paper absorbs the compound called kahweol that raises cholesterol levels.
• The animal fat found in beef and other red meats are high in saturated fat, which will raise your bad cholesterol level. If you want to take meat, you can go for baked or grilled chicken.
• Foods containing high cholesterol get oxidized when you keep them in the presence of air. Scrambled eggs, grilled beef and fried bacon are some of the examples of high cholesterol foods. You can protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation by taking antioxidants. Vitamin E is the best antioxidant, which is found in almonds, sunflower oil, sweet potatoes, fish and whole wheat bread.
• Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the best natural remedies for high cholesterol problem.  Walnuts and flaxseed oil are some of the excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids.

High cholesterol can cause several health problems like preeclampsia in a pregnant woman. Most of the anti cholesterol drugs are not safe for a pregnant woman. Hence, it is advisable to follow some natural ways to lower cholesterol.

• Low cholesterol diet:

Taking low cholesterol diet is the best way to avoid cholesterol related complications during pregnancy. It is wise to avoid taking fried food items. Fried foods are rich in saturated fat and they are really bad for your health. Instead, you can take grilled or baked foods.

Red meat is one of the most important contributing factors to high cholesterol. If you want to eat hamburger, you can choose ground turkey patties instead of red meat. The taste is similar, but it saves you a lot of calories and cholesterol.

You cannot avoid dairy products fully. However, dairy products are very high in fat and can increase your cholesterol levels. You can look for low fat cheese, yogurt and milk that supply essential nutrients without increasing bad cholesterol levels.  You can also use soy alternatives like tofu instead of taking cottage cheese.

You can use olive oil for cooking instead of butter, margarine or oil that is high in saturated fat. Olive oil and peanut or canola oil are good for your health and they actually increase the level of HDL (good) cholesterol levels in your blood.

Fish rich in omega fatty acids not only reduces bad cholesterol level, but also improve the health of your baby. However, you should take fish baked or grilled. You can add a few cloves of garlic while baking or grilling fish, which can lower cholesterol level naturally.

It is important to take whole grains, fruits and vegetable when you are pregnant. Fruits and vegetables not only supply essential nutrients, but they also help lower cholesterol. They are rich in fiber that reduces the problem of constipation.

• Cardiovascular exercise:

During pregnancy, many doctors recommend you to do some exercises to lower cholesterol. Cardiovascular exercises not only lower cholesterol, but they also make the joints flexible, encouraging smooth delivery. Swimming is very good for pregnant women. You can do it regularly, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. It provides soothing relief from back pain and strengthens your pelvic muscles. It is not advisable to focus on losing weight when you are pregnant. Instead, focus on lowering bad cholesterol level, so that you can deliver a healthy baby.