People with heart problems need to plan their meals after referring to cholesterol levels chart. Those who have high cholesterol should choose food items that help in lowering the cholesterol content in the body. Making certain changes in your diet can reduce cholesterol levels and improve the heart’s health by reducing the amount of fats flowing through your bloodstream. Focus on foods that lower LDL and increase HDL for better results.

Different foods that help in this process are:

Oats : Having a bowl of oatmeal or oat-based cereal is good for lowering the LDL content within the body. The quantity of oats that one needs daily can be determined after comparing your cholesterol levels with the cholesterol levels chart. Oats must be consumed because it is rich in fiber and burns extra fats deposited in the arteries.

Whole grain meals : Whole grains or barley can help in lowering the risks of heart diseases, especially the soluble fibers that dissolve in the blood fast and works faster to burn out the fats effectively. You can decide your intake after understanding what each range of cholesterol signifies in the cholesterol levels chart.

Nuts : Almonds, walnuts, peanuts and other nuts are very good for the heart. They lower the LDL levels within the body with just two ounces of daily intake. They even have a lot of additional nutrients like protein, calcium and vitamin E that help the body to remain fit and healthy.

Vegetable oils : If your cholesterol is on the higher end according to the cholesterol levels chart, then your daily oil intake must be restricted. Doctors usually recommend using sunflower oil, canola, etc., for cooking purposes as these oils are relatively harmless and help in reducing LDL.

Soybeans : Eating soybeans and foods made from the same like tofu and soy milk act towards the lowering of LDL, which in turn lowers the total cholesterol in the body. Consumption of about 20gms of soy protein in a day lowers LDL up to 6%.

By keeping a regular check on your cholesterol levels, you can switch to healthy diet-routine, filled with fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts, whenever you feel the need. Ensuring a healthy diet is the key to reducing the risk of heart diseases.