Many people are concerned with their health, particularly the dangers of having high cholesterol. If cholesterol is allowed to get too high for too long it can result in a variety of health conditions, such as heart attacks, heart disease, diabetes or stroke. By eating the right foods, however, one can lower their cholesterol and avoid these problems.

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is necessary for the proper functioning of the body and is not harmful in the correct amounts. There are two types of cholesterol low density lipoproteins (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, and high density lipoproteins (HDL), or "good" cholesterol. LDL can build up in the arteries and cause many problems, while HDL works to remove cholesterol from the body and keep levels manageable. The key to eating right is in knowing which foods contain the "good" and which ones the "bad" cholesterol.

Different elements in food have different effects on cholesterol levels. Knowing what those elements are and how to obtain them is important to staying healthy. Some of the most important things to look for, as well as the foods they are contained in, are listed here.

High-fiber Foods

Soluble fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Around 5 or more grams per day of fiber are recommended by doctors to have positive reduction effects. Some of the best foods to eat to obtain this fiber are apples, barley, beans (particularly kidney, black and pinto beans), oatmeal, oat bran and prunes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids help to lower LDL levels by increasing the amount of HDL in the body. Certain types of fish, such as mackerel, herring, albacore tuna, salmon, halibut and sardines, are especially rich in omega-3s. Many other types of seafood, as well as canola oil and flax seed, also contain significant amounts.

Poly and Monounsaturated Fats

These types of fats lower LDL while preserving the amounts of HDL in the body. There are many places where both can be found. A handful or so of nuts is a great source of polyunsaturated fats, particularly walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans and pistachios. Monounsaturated fats can be found in abundance in either avocados or olive oil. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, which have their own benefits to the body.

Plant Sterols or Stanols

Though these do not occur naturally in foods, they are now being used to fortify food products such as margarine, orange juice and yogurt. Sterols and stanols block the absorption of cholesterol into the body and keep levels down.

Eating the right foods to lower cholesterol levels is important, but one should also be vigilant to avoid saturated and trans fats to keep it from going up. Combined with exercise, the benefits to one's health can be great.