Use these 10 weapons in your battle against a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease:
• Shiitake Mushrooms. The active component in shiitake mushrooms—eritadenine—helps lower overall cholesterol levels.
• Walnuts. These healthy nuts contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower dangerous levels of fatty triglycerides in your blood. In fact, walnuts received their own “qualified health claim” from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004 that allows manufacturers to state their walnut products may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Whole Grain Oats. The fiber in unrefined whole-grain foods is is the cholesterol-lowering powerhouse.
• Blueberries. Researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture have identified an antioxidant in blueberries called pterostilbene, which may help thwart high cholesterol.
• Salmon. The omega-3 fatty acids in this type of “fatty fish” is your main weapon in your cholesterol arsenal. Not only do they lower LDL “bad” cholesterol, but scientists say omega-3s raise HDL “good” cholesterol.
• Garlic. Regularly eating garlic also works magic on reducing “bad” cholesterol levels and raising the “good” stuff.
• Avocados. The oval-shaped food is rich in oleic acid, a cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fat, as opposed to a cholesterol-raising saturated fat and trans fat. In fact, people with moderately high cholesterol levels who ate a diet high in avocados for one week had significant drops in total and “bad” cholesterol levels, and an 11-percent increase in “good” cholesterol, according to one study.
• Black Beans. This version from the bean family are high in dietary fiber, one of Mother Nature’s best fighters against cholesterol.
• Apples. Credit the apple’s effect on cholesterol to its rich content of pectin, fiber, and many powerful antioxidants.
• Dark green, leafy veggies. In one federal study, people who ate four or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day had significantly lower levels of “bad” cholesterol than those who ate fewer servings, especially if they dined on spinach, kale, and collard greens.
Bet you didn't know that certain foods may help you fight high cholesterol — and cut your risk of a heart attack or stroke. 
Nubella Tip: So how do you incorporate these foods into your healthy eating? Find plenty of incredible ideas in Nubella’s 6,000-plus 
