8 Eating Habits People with Healthy Cholesterol Swear By — Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Just adopt the eating habits that science shows are consistent with people who have healthy cholesterol levels.

It's called small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-c) and it's associated with high triglycerides (a blood fat), decreased levels of the good HDL, as well as obesity and metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Fortunately, eating habits that promote overall good health and weight loss are the same that may improve your cholesterol profile and lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.

"As a nutritionist, I've seen firsthand how a heart-healthy diet that helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels consists of foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins and low in added sugar, salt, and saturated fats like butter, and fatty meats," says registered dietitian nutritionist Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim and a member of our medical expert board.

Here are some eating habits common among people who have lowered their cholesterol to healthy levels:.

"Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, a type of fiber that helps lower LDL cholesterol in our blood," she says.

"Breakfast is a perfect way to start the day out right, as you have an opportunity to choose many plant-based options for fiber to help lower LDL 'bad' cholesterol and raise HDL 'good' cholesterol," says Amber Ingram, RD, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center