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So, you’re wondering if you can lower your cholesterol by eating the right foods or popping a few supplements. The answer is: maybe! Some people see improvements by changing their diet, while others need a little extra help. Either way, you can improve your health by making smarter food choices.

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Step 1: Say Goodbye to Saturated Fats!

If you have high cholesterol, cutting down on saturated fats could be a game-changer. These fats are in foods like:

• Red meat 
• Butter
• Fried foods
• Cheese 
• Baked goods 

It’s OK to have these occasionally, but cutting back can really help your heart!

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Step 2: Eat more fiber—your heart will thank you!

Looking to help lower your cholesterol? Start loading up on soluble fiber! This type of fiber is a cholesterol-fighting superhero and can be found in:

• Fruits (Hello, apples and berries!)
• Oats (Yup, oatmeal counts!)
• Barley (Add it to soups or salads)
• Beans & peas (Perfect for chili or stews)

More fiber = happier, healthier heart. Plus, it’ll keep you full for longer!

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Step 3: Try a vegetarian or vegan Diet (or just some tofu!)

Switching up your diet to include more plant-based meals can help lower your cholesterol and improve heart health. But don’t worry—you don’t have to go fully vegetarian or vegan overnight! Here’s the breakdown:

• Vegetarian diet = No meat, but you can still enjoy dairy and eggs. 🥚
• Vegan diet = No animal products at all. That means no meat, no eggs, no cheese, no milk—just plants! 🌱

If cutting out meat completely feels overwhelming, start small! Try "Meat-Free Mondays"—just one day a week without meat. It’s an easy way to test out plant-based meals without a big commitment.

Another simple swap? Soy-based foods like tofu and tempeh. They’re packed with protein and can be a great replacement for meat in stir-fries, tacos, or even a tofu “scramble” for breakfast. Give it a shot—you might find a new favorite dish!

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Step 4: The mediterranean diet

Have you ever heard of the Mediterranean diet? It’s not only tasty, but it’s also great for lowering cholesterol! Here’s what it includes:

• Lots of fruits and veggies 🥗
• Whole grains like brown rice and quinoa 🌾
• Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios = yum!) 🥜
• Olive oil (Goodbye, butter! 👋)
• A little fish, poultry, and dairy, but not too much red meat 🐟🍗

Try adding more Mediterranean-style meals to your week. Your cholesterol (and taste buds!) will thank you.

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What About Eggs?

Eggs are OK to eat if you enjoy them, but don’t go overboard. Eggs are a great source of protein and don’t raise cholesterol as much as some other foods do. So go ahead and have one scrambled on your avocado toast, just don’t eat them every single day! 🥑🍞

Are there specific foods that help lower cholesterol?

Yep! There are some superfoods that can help lower your cholesterol, and we’ve got the deets:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in oily fish like salmon, herring, and tuna 🐟. Eating 1–2 servings of these a week can help protect your heart. Or use olive oil for cooking!
• Nuts: These crunchy ones, like walnuts, almonds, and pistachios, can lower your cholesterol and even lower your risk of heart attacks. Grab a handful for a snack! 🥜
• Fiber-rich foods: Fruits, veggies, beans, and oats are awesome for lowering cholesterol. So don’t skimp on those! 🥦🍎
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What about plant extracts called "sterols" or "stanols" that are said to lower cholesterol?

Some foods have added plant extracts called sterols or stanols that claim to lower cholesterol. For example, Benecol margarine. But here’s the thing: While they might lower cholesterol a little, we’re not 100% sure if they lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. Plus, some studies show these might cause problems. Experts recommend more research before you start eating these regularly, so proceed with caution! ⚠️

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Should I take supplements to lower my cholesterol?

Some people have had success with certain supplements, but there’s not much research showing they can prevent heart attacks or strokes. And here’s a little warning: in the U.S., supplements aren’t strictly regulated, so what’s on the label isn’t always what’s inside the bottle. Yikes! 🙈

Here are a couple of supplements that might help:

• Red yeast rice: This supplement has an ingredient that’s also in prescription meds for lowering cholesterol. But it’s not always the same strength, so check with your provider first!
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements: These might help lower cholesterol too, but they could also raise it—talk to your provider before you try them.

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