How to Lower Cholesterol Without Medicine!

High Cholesterol effects 17% of Americans. There is also a large part of the population
that is at risk. Medicines first instinct is too prescribe Cholesterol medicine, but you can
do a lot to lower it naturally. Below is a shopping list from Dr. Oz, of foods that can help lower
your cholesterol naturally! Next time you go to the grocery store take this list, and stock up to help lower or prevent high cholesterol. 

Low-Cholesterol Shopping List
Bananas: Bananas contain a healthy serving of soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol by

interfering with the absorption of dietary cholesterol.

Salmon: Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help to slow plaque buildup in your 

arteries. They also help raise levels of HDL, the protective "good" cholesterol, and

lower triglycerides.

Sardines: Like salmon, sardines contain a good dose of those artery-protecting omega-3 fatty acids.

Olive oil: Olive oil contains antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, which have been shown 

to lower LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Pick extra-virgin olive oil for the biggest effect.

Garlic: Whole garlic may help to prevent oxidation of LDL, which helps limit cholesterol's 

damaging effects on our vessel walls.

Spinach: Lutein, a pigment found in some vegetables including spinach, has been shown
to prevent cholesterol accumulation in arteries. Spinach also contains vitamin E, 

which helps prevent plaque buildup.

Grapes: Like bananas, grapes also contain soluble fiber, which helps decrease dietary 

absorption of cholesterol. An antioxidant compound found in red grapes may also help

lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

Dark chocolate: In some people, antioxidants such as flavanols that are found in dark

chocolate may lower LDL, as well as lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to 

the brain and heart.

Avocado: Good fats in avocados help to boost good cholesterol, which helps protect 

arteries from the effects of bad cholesterol. It also contains beta-sitosterol, which can help

reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food.

Japanese eggplant: Japanese eggplant is packed with cholesterol-lowering fiber and 

contains several compounds that may work to lower LDL.