The body manufactures some amount of cholesterol to aid in the production of hormones, essential vitamins, and other nutrients that promote digestion. But excess cholesterol due to the consumption of certain processed foods and beverages can trigger health complications. Making a few essential changes in your daily diet by including the following alternatives can help manage the excess cholesterol.

You can make simple snacks to help lower high cholesterol featuring some of the start ingredients we have included in this list.

Berries
Fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cherries make for nutritious snacks that help lower high cholesterol naturally. Strawberries are naturally rich in polyphenols that are essential for healthy cardiovascular function. Raspberries are rich in fiber and help promote digestion. They reduce low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) levels to avoid the risk of its buildup in the arteries. Blueberries and cherries are both rich in antioxidants that have a circulation-boosting effect; thus, managing blood pressure levels. It goes without saying that lowering blood pressure immensely helps with cholesterol management.

Baked Potato
Cholesterol is directly linked to multiple cardiovascular problems. And the root cause of these ailments stems from the fact that high levels of cholesterol result in increased blood pressure in the system. Potatoes may have a lot of carbs but are also rich in potassium. In fact, studies show that potatoes can better supplement the body’s requirement of potassium as a substitute for bananas. Potassium helps lower the blood pressure and regulate optimum levels of LDL and HDL. A simple recipe of some baked potatoes with your favorite condiments is one of the popular and tasty snacks to help lower high cholesterol.

Tuna or Salmon Snacks
Fish are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, one of the major components that help in cholesterol management. In fact, studies done by the American Heart Association reveal that nutrients in tuna fish can help slow down the growth of plaque in major arteries that result in the blockage, one of the major problems of having high cholesterol. A fresh bowl of some tuna and veggies like tomatoes, cucumber, and onions can make for an excellent snack to help lower high cholesterol effectively. You can either buy fresh tuna or can alternatively use canned fish, it doesn’t make much of a difference. Alternatively, you can use salmon, another versatile fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Smoked or baked salmon can be used to prepare easy sandwiches, fresh raw appetizers, salads, burgers, and quiches that feature all your favorite veggies and condiments.

Oatmeal, Barley, Bulgur, and Buckwheat Snacks
Oatmeal ranks highly among preferred snacks to help lower high cholesterol. Simply because it is an excellent breakfast that can be prepared with minimal ingredients and is rich in soluble fibers that absorb unhealthy fats. The best part, you can add almonds, walnuts, pecans, and peanuts to help counter the various discomforts associated with high cholesterol. An excellent alternative to oatmeal is barley, bulgur, and buckwheat, all soluble fibers to prepare a rich veggie salad that helps lower cholesterol naturally.