People with high cholesterol must be consciously aware of every bite that they eat, especially the little snacks in between meals. Eating snacks at regular intervals is good for helping to maintain normal blood sugar levels and for keeping the metabolism moving during the day. Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the blood that the body needs for building healthy cells. Having high cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease, so eating foods to lower cholesterol is very important.

Snacks do not have to be cut out, but it’s important to choose foods that positively impact cholesterol, like the following snack foods:

1. Popcorn

Popcorn is the best movie snack food. Minus the salt and butter, it is great for lowering cholesterol and is low in calories. It contains fiber and more whole wheat grains than whole wheat bread or brown rice. The taste of this cholesterol buster can be enhanced by spraying on a little olive oil and sprinkling on some parmesan cheese.

2. Nuts

Nuts, like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and peanuts, contain healthy fats that the body needs. These healthy fats can help lower LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, and keep it from oxidizing. It is important to stick to a single serving of nuts because they are high in calories, so a handful should suffice.

3. Hummus and vegetables

Vegetables served with hummus is a vitamin-rich snack that can keep you full between meals. This snack is low in fat, sodium, cholesterol, calories, and it has vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Hummus is made of mashed chickpeas and tastes great with raw vegetables. Vegetables are just amazing for overall good health. For the best health benefits, eat vegetables in a variety of colors.

4. Oats

Oatmeal is rich in fiber, and literally soaks up the bad cholesterol. Normally considered a breakfast food, oatmeal can be eaten at any time of the day. You can make is a scrumptious snack by adding various berries and nuts. It contains a specific soluble fiber that helps move cholesterol through the digestive system so that it will not be absorbed by the body.

5. Fresh fruit

Fruit are filled with potassium and pectin, and can satisfy the cravings for sweet treats without added sugar. They help lower cholesterol and fruit, like apples, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits, contain high quantities of pectin which is a fiber that decreases LDL levels.

Many people do not know that they have a cholesterol problem unless they are tested by a doctor. There are no symptoms, but if left untreated, high cholesterol could lead to heart disease and stroke. The natural fats, or triglycerides, in the body can also be detected through blood tests. Healthy lifestyle habits to better eating habits can benefit the entire body, but more importantly, it helps maintain blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels while promoting good heart health. Know your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels by checking with your doctor regularly in order to stay in control of your health.