If you have been diagnosed with high levels of cholesterol, it’s important to consider the impact of the foods you consume. It is also important to educate yourself on specific foods that deliver soluble fiber, which binds cholesterol in the digestive system and removes them from the body. In addition, foods containing plant sterols and stanols are reputed to help block the body from absorbing cholesterol.

Here are some guilt-free snacks for high cholesterol patients that will help reduce your cholesterol levels:

1. Nuts
Almonds and walnuts always find their spots. In the case of cholesterol, you can also consume peanuts. The American Heart Association recommends 1/4 cup of nuts per day for a healthy heart. This is a great guilt-free snack for high cholesterol.

2. Homemade potato chips
Who said you have to entirely avoid potatoes? However, we are not referring to the grease and salt-covered fried potato chips that we buy at the store. You could always stick to baked potato chips and you can also prepare them at home! You can season it with extra-virgin olive oil and herbs like dried parsley or rosemary before placing them in the oven. Potatoes by themselves are high in fiber and are also filled with potassium which helps one to lower blood pressure.

3. Sterols and stanols
These are extracted from plants. They boost the body’s ability to absorb cholesterol from the food we consume. These are available in the market as supplements and taking two to three grams of plant sterols and stanols a day are proven to lower LDL cholesterol levels.

4. Fatty fish
Replacing meat which has significant levels of LDL-boosting saturated fats, one could try eating fish two to three times a week. This delivers LDL-lowering omega 3 fats, which are known to reduce triglycerides in the bloodstream and also promote well-balanced heart health.

5. Barley and whole grains
Oats, barley, and any other kind of whole grain can help with lowering or maintaining cholesterol levels. Some studies show that oats are far more effective in absorbing cholesterol in the system. These make for great guilt-free snacks for high cholesterol.

6. Hot water
Drinking hot water a few times a day will largely help a person to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Hot water, to start with, boosts metabolism, which is important in lowering cholesterol levels. It also has the ability to push the toxins out of your system, which is essential for maintaining good health. More importantly, hot water is known to induce the elimination process in the system by making the digestive and excretion system in our body effectively.

7. Fiber supplements
Besides consuming naturally available fiber through food, one could also supplement themselves with fiber supplements. Check with your doctor the best that is suited for you. Usually, two teaspoons of psyllium a day are recommended. This is found in Metamucil and other bulk-forming laxatives. However, it is best taken after checking with your physician.