The Best Foods to Reduce Cholesterol

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Balance your diet deliciously with vibrant herbs. The fresh herb sextet makes this Fall Harvest Salsa truly special. Photo by Povy Kendal Atchison

Watching our blood cholesterol levels has become something of an American pastime—and for good reason. After all, heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States. Except for a genetically lucky few, most of us need to watch our blood cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which can result in heart attacks or strokes. Making heart-healthy choices is especially important for those who currently live with, or have a family history of, cardiovascular disease. To complicate the issue, advice from the scientific community has swung wildly over the years. For example, before the chemical makeup of trans fats was examined and understood to be much worse for the human cardiovascular system than natural animal fats, margarine was suggested in place of butter.

Reduce cholesterol naturally with these recipes:
• Chipotle Dry Rub with Sage
• Fall Salsa
• Carrots and Parsnips with Fresh Herbs
• Herb-Flavored Sole in Parchment
• Cumin-Bay Black Beans with Pasilla Chile Pepper 
• Herb Apple, Pear and Winter Squash Bake
• Herbie Scrambled Eggs or Scrambled Tofu Recipe
• Herb Quinoa Pilaf
• Clove & Ginger Black Tea with Blood Orange Peel 

The good news is, lifestyle choices can make a dramatic impact on heart disease. Consistently eating a healthy diet, exercising and avoiding tobacco products can pave the way toward improved health. Our recipes and cholesterol tips—heart-friendly, budget-friendly and, best of all, easy, with a delectable emphasis on herbs—can help you on this journey.