Significance

• According to the American Heart Association, more than 106 million people over age 20 have high cholesterol. Of that group, the following people have elevated LDL levels above 130 or higher: non-Hispanic white men 31.7 percent, non-Hispanic white women 33.8 percent, non-Hispanic black men 32.4 percent, non-Hispanic black women 29.8 percent, Mexican American men 39 percent and Mexican American women 30.7 percent.
  
  

Types

• There are a handful of foods that have specifically been known to lower LDL levels. These include fruits, vegetables, cold water fish, whole grains and legumes.
  
  

Features

• Diets to lower LDL levels are low in saturated fat, high in fiber and have a good amount of essential fatty acids. These would be Omega-3s and polyunsaturated fats. Examples include walnuts, almonds, flax seeds and salmon.
  
  

Identification

• There are also a handful of dietary supplements that have been known to lower LDL levels. Some of these include artichoke extract, psyllium, garlic, lecithin and policosanol.
  
  

Considerations

• One should consider exercise as well when lowering LDL levels. This in conjunction with the proper diet can have a significant impact on cholesterol levels. The American Council on Exercise recommends getting three to four hours of exercise per week to significantly reduce cholesterol levels.