Cholesterol is a kind of lipid that is present in all the cells of your body. Cholesterol helps with digestion and with the production of vitamin D and is, hence, necessary for the body. Higher levels of cholesterol are, however, considered harmful. An increase in LDL cholesterol levels can lead to cardiac complications and diabetes. Here are a few top snacks to help lower high cholesterol.

Roasted Nuts
One of the best snacks to help lower high cholesterol is roasted nuts. You can choose between walnuts, almonds, peanuts, or pecans. Studies show that when you eat up to 50 grams of nuts a day, it brings down your LDL levels. If you don’t like eating raw nuts, roast them slightly in a pan or the oven and add a pinch of salt.

Oatmeal cookies
Who said snacks to help lower high cholesterol have to be bland and boring? How would you feel about being able to munch on a nice sized cookie every day and still find your cholesterol levels going down? Oatmeal is very high in soluble fiber and this pushes the waxy cholesterol through the digestive tract and expels it from the body. Mix together a pinch of cinnamon, a couple of eggs, baking powder, a sweetener of your choice, unflavored oil, and oatmeal to make a dough. Chill the dough, cut it into cookie shapes, and bake for about 10 minutes.

Roasted Soybeans
Consuming up to 25 grams of soybeans in any form will help bring down your cholesterol levels quickly. Soybeans can also be enjoyed roasted and salted just like nuts, and these make perfect travel snacks.

Dark Chocolate
Craving some chocolate? Pick up a bar of dark chocolate as it contains antioxidants and also reduces oxidized LDL cholesterol levels.

Popcorn
Planning to watch a movie this weekend? Indulge in some crunchy popcorn and bring down your cholesterol levels. Popcorn that is roasted plain or with salt is a good source of fiber and it helps bring down your LDL levels over time. The next time you’re searching for snacks to help lower high cholesterol that are both healthy and tasty, opt for freshly roasted popcorn.

Fruits
Fruits are one of the healthiest snacks you can ever have at any point in time. Fruits are juicy, tasty, and tingle your taste buds as nothing else can. Pick up fruits that are rich in a type of soluble fiber called pectin. This helps bring down your cholesterol levels. Fruits that are antioxidant-rich also increase your energy levels and strength.

Make a note of all these snacks to help lower high cholesterol and indulge in them regularly as part of your diet. Keep up with a healthy workout regime and eat all kinds of fresh vegetables. You will see your cholesterol levels slowly getting normalized. Also, talk to your doctor about potential medications to help treat your high cholesterol (i.e., Repatha lower bad cholesterol (LDL)).