Today, more and more people are looking for ways they can promote a healthier heart. The following is a short list of foods which lower cholesterol and promote excellent health. However, it is essential to note that although these foods will help reduce high-cholesterol, people also need to cut down on any saturated fats they consume as well.

There are two forms of fats, unsaturated fats and saturated fats. Saturated fats are the most dangerous of fats found in foods, and they are the main cause of these high levels. Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, can lower these unhealthy levels in the body.

There are two main classifications of saturated fats, animal fats and vegetable fats. Animal fats can be found in such food as butter, cheese, ice cream and poultry. Vegetable fats can be found in such things as chocolate, cookies, some creamers and many candies and snack foods. People should always consume these foods in moderation.

First of all, if it is necessary to use oil in their diet, people should always use olive oil. Olive oil is an unsaturated fat that will effectively help to reduce these harmful levels without harming beneficial levels. However, one should only use about two small spoonfuls of this oil per day to either cook with or use on top of salads.

In a study performed by The National Academy Of Sciences, researchers found that pomegranate juice is highly effective in the reduction of cholesterol plaque. They also found that it helps increase the body’s production of nitric oxide, which reduces plaque in arteries. Another study that researchers conducted with The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that black soybeans hold a vast array of health benefits. Not only do these soybeans help to prevent obesity, but they can also reduce these damaging levels and reduce the risk of people contracting the type 2 form of diabetes.

» Read more: Foods Which Lower Cholesterol Should Be In Everyone’s Diet

No one wants to hear the bad news that their cholesterol level is two elevated. For those that are evenly slightly up to speed on the implications of cholesterol health related issues, the question often running through one’s mind; how long will it take to reduce my LDL?

The question of how long does it take to lower cholesterol is really complicated by several factors. First of all, your general condition of health plays a role. Assuming you are in reasonable health and not suffering from a previous issue that would inhibit you from making a few life style changes, you should see results in as little as six weeks.

What do I have to do to reduce my total cholesterol?

For the sake of example, I will use my own experience as a reference point. I recently had my follow- up with my doctor. About six weeks prior, I asked the same question about how long does it take to lower cholesterol.

For me, my concern was the possibility of coronary heart disease. It’s essential that I keep my cholesterol at a manageable level. In addition, I have to lower my cholesterol through natural methods; due to the fact my liver has no tolerance for statin drugs.

Here are the steps I recommend to lower cholesterol

It’s no more than a three- step process. First, is the diet I consume. Because my total cholesterol had reached a total of 218 mg/dl, and even more importantly, my LDL or bad cholesterol was up to 154 mg/dl, I kicked my new regimen into high gear.

First of all, I was determined to better control my diet. Now, I’ve always been pretty good at not eating too much of the bad stuff. Not good enough though. So, I upped my intake of Omega 3. Omega 3 is the essential fatty acid that attacks LDL cholesterol by boosting your HDL or good cholesterol.

» Read more: Bad Cholesterol: Three Steps To Reduce Your LDL