High cholesterol is becoming a serious concern nowadays. Wrong food habits, lifestyle, stress and age are some of the important factors that cause high cholesterol. It is possible to control cholesterol without taking drugs. There are several natural ways to control cholesterol.

• High fiber diet:

You can increase your intake of fiber, which helps to lower LDL bad cholesterol in your blood, without decreasing HDL good cholesterol. Cereals and whole grains are good sources of fiber that reduce the possibility of cholesterol filled plaque buildup in the arteries. Oat, oat bran, barley, nuts, barley, rye, legumes, fruits like apples, oranges, plums and berries and vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes can help to control bad cholesterol level in your blood.

• Reduce caffeine consumption:

Caffeine is rich in Terpenes oil that may cause high cholesterol problem. If you are more prone to the risk of developing high cholesterol or have been diagnosed with high cholesterol already, you need to reduce or avoid caffeine intake. It is also important to pay attention to the amount of cream and sugar you add to make coffee, as they can also increase cholesterol levels.

• Fat free dairy products:

Dairy products rich in cream are rich in saturated fat, which is the most important factor contributing to high cholesterol. You need to avoid full cream products altogether. However, eliminating dairy products from your daily diet may lead to calcium deficiency. Hence, you can take fat free milk, yogurt and cottage cheese. Fat free dairy products supply essential proteins and minerals along with Lactobacillus microorganisms that may help control LDL cholesterol levels.

• Antioxidants:

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants that help lower bad cholesterol levels, whilst improving your overall health. Fruits and vegetables, especially those are rich in vitamin C and beta carotene, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, broccoli, green cabbage, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, butternut and dark green vegetables can help to reduce the elevated cholesterol levels. It is important to get five portions of these fruits and vegetables in a day.

• Garlic:

Garlic and other members of alliums family like spring onion and onion are good foods that control bad cholesterol levels. You can use them liberally in cooking and on salads.

• Omega 3 fatty acids:

Foods high in omega 3 fatty acids like tuna, salmon and some other cold water fish, soybean and leafy green vegetables help you reduce your LDL cholesterol level.