Cholesterol is bad, right? Your doctor checks your cholesterol levels and reads off the numbers at every checkup, so it must be true. But let’s get into the nitty-gritty about cholesterol for just a minute. 

Cholesterol is a waxy material. A little bit of cholesterol in your diet is actually good–it helps your body build cells. When too much cholesterol gets into your veins and arteries, they become clogged. The typical diet is full of high-cholesterol foods like chips and burgers and even eggs. For this reason, it’s important to take steps to help lower your cholesterol. 

Your local grocery store is full of products that claim to help lower your cholesterol. We don’t endorse any of these products. However, if you are doing your own research, and you are interested in learning more about cholesterol-lowering foods, these 10 products might be a good place to start. 

1. Metamucil: Not only does Metamucil claim to lower cholesterol, but these high-fiber products can also regulate your digestive system, help maintain blood sugar levels, and help manage weight.  
2. Aristo Bars: These protein bars rely on plant stanols to fight against high cholesterol levels. They also contain heart-healthy Omega-3 Fatty Acids and fiber, which helps with digestion. 
3. Minute Maid HeartWise: If you like orange juice, try reaching for this brand, which claims in two separate places on its packaging to help lower cholesterol. 
4. Cheerios: If you’re looking for a heart-healthy way to start your day, a bowl of cheerios might be a good idea. They’re a low-fat food that also claims to lower your cholesterol. 
5. Smart Balance: This butter alternative not only lowers cholesterol, but also reduces your intake of trans fats when compared to regular butter. 
6. Stonyfield Farm Smoothies: In addition to lowering cholesterol, these yogurts contain probiotics and prebiotics, which can improve gut health and aid in digestion.
7. Quaker Oats: A naturally healthy food, oatmeal improves cholesterol levels and aids with digestion. 
8. Silk Milk: Soy is another product that is known to naturally lower cholesterol. Silk makes soy products that are vegan and dairy-free, which makes them a great choice for all diets. 
9. Kellogg’s Smart Start: This breakfast cereal has oat bran, which can help lower cholesterol levels. It also contains prebiotics that can increase calcium absorption–a perfect pair for your morning milk! 
10. Benecol: This brand uses plant stanols, which have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels. They make butter alternatives as well as soft chocolate chews. 

Remember that eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is just as important as choosing the right packaged foods. At Avidity Design Medical Academy, we offer a full fruits and vegetables course to help you get started on your journey. We also encourage you to follow our blog, where we have even more tips and tricks to help you lead your healthiest life, as well as tips for choosing a career in the field of healthcare.