Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol has no visible symptoms, but it can have a profound impact on your heart health. If your numbers come back high after a routine blood test, your doctor may prescribe medication like a statin to help—but there are also lifestyle changes you can make to help you get your LDL (or “bad” cholesterol) numbers down. Chief among them: incorporating foods for better cholesterol into your diet.
Meet the Experts: Martha Theran, M.S., R.D.N., a registered dietitian nutritionist and educator at Pritikin Longevity Center; and Deepak Talreja, M.D., clinical chief of cardiology for Sentara Health.
Cholesterol is a substance that is naturally produced by the body that is necessary for creating new cells and hormones, according to the American Heart Association. But too much of it in your blood—particularly LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which are a type of fat—can lead to clogged arteries that raise your risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Eating more anti-inflammatory foods (and avoiding inflammatory ones) can help prevent those fatty build-ups and, in turn, lower your risk.
In fact, studies have shown that lowering saturated fats, avoiding...