If you have high bad cholesterol, you are at risk of heart problems. What you eat has a profound effect on your cholesterol levels. A high-cholesterol diet will elevate the chances of stroke, so, to prevent such mishaps, add foods to your diet that are sources of good cholesterol. To help you, here are eleven foods that help lowering cholesterol.

1. Legumes: Pulses or legumes are plant-based foods such as lentils, peas, and beans that contain proteins, minerals, and fiber. You can replace processed meats and refined carbs in your meals with legumes to prevent cardiovascular problems.
2. Dark green leafy veggies: Vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli have lutein and carotenoids that are linked to lower risks of heart problems and are foods that help lowering cholesterol. Carotenoids are capable of eliminating free radicals that cause arteries to harden. Dark green vegetables bind to stomach acids to lower cholesterol levels by flushing out excess cholesterol.
3. Avocados: This nutrient-rich fruit is popular for reducing cholesterol. It offers fiber and monounsaturated fats that can raise good cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol.
4. Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil reduces the risks of heart diseases like heart attacks and strokes. It is a source of monounsaturated fatty acids that raises good cholesterol in the bloodstream. Besides, it provides polyphenols that lessen inflammation, which is the root cause of heart problems.
5. Nuts: Nuts, particularly walnuts and almonds, are foods that help lowering cholesterol as they are high in nutritional value and rich in monounsaturated fats. Walnuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids that are linked to good heart health. Almonds contain L-arginine, an amino acid, helping the body produce nitric oxide useful for controlling blood pressure. Potassium, magnesium, and calcium in nuts also lower blood pressure levels and reduces risks of cardiovascular problems.
6. Fatty fish: Salmon, herring, and mackerel are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids that boost heart health by improving the good cholesterol or HDL levels.
7. Whole grains: Whole grains, particularly barley and oats, are excellent foods that help lowering cholesterol. Consuming whole grains every day can reduce the risks of strokes and heart diseases by almost 20%.
8. Fruits/Berries: Fruits should be part of a heart-healthy diet because they are rich in fiber that reduces cholesterol levels. Fruits contain pectin that can lower cholesterol by almost 10%, and you will find it in apples, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits.
9. Tuna: American Heart Association suggests that tuna consumption, whether canned or fresh, can reduce triglyceride levels that are known to trigger heart diseases.
10. Tea: Tea contains many compounds that boost heart health; even varieties like white tea and black tea have health benefits apart from the more popular green tea. The main compounds in tea are catechins that produce nitric oxide and helps regulate blood pressure, prevent cholesterol production and absorption in the blood, and quercetin that lowers inflammation and improves blood vessel functions.
11. Herbs and spices: Flavor your meals with spices and herbs whenever possible; this helps you avoid using high-fat condiments that can elevate blood cholesterol levels. Moreover, spices such as rosemary, basil, chili and bell peppers, ginger, and garlic are loaded with antioxidants that can boost good cholesterol when combined with vegetables.