Healthy diets lower cholesterol naturally. Especially if the diet plan is composed of foods which are healthier and are less likely to contribute to the further increase of cholesterol levels, specifically Low Density Lipoprotein or LDL. The aim of following a low cholesterol or low-fat diet is not to eliminate cholesterol completely but to level out the good cholesterol (HDL or High Density Lipoprotein) and the bad cholesterol (LDL or Low Density Lipoprotein). Since cholesterol is a necessary component, it cannot be totally removed from the body. Without it certain cellular functions and hormone productions would be disrupted. If you want to take control of your HDL and LDL levels, what you have to keep in mind is that your cholesterol values should be within the desirable range. Anything higher or lower than the accepted values can put you at risk of serious health problems.

A high cholesterol level is affected by what you consume and how much bad cholesterol your body is able to eliminate. Because of factors like eating habits, stress and lifestyle, you may have higher levels and may not be able to effectively get rid of the excess amounts of fat in your body. The choice of food you consume contributes to additional production of cholesterol. Other factors which may contribute to your HDL and LDL levels are heredity, weight, exercise and age.

There are people who are more prone to high cholesterol levels than others simply because it runs in the family. Genes affect the production of LDLs and their removal from the blood. If your body is not able to effectively remove these excess amounts, you are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases than those who are not genetically inclined to develop such problems. Obesity is one of the major factors which lead to high LDL levels. Reducing and maintaining the optimum weight can help you manage your high density and low density lipoprotein levels. Exercise, apart from helping you maintain a desired weight, also helps you take better control of your cholesterol levels.

While you don't have control over your genetic makeup and you may find it hard to manage your weight, food is something that you can easily control. A change in the types of food you consume affects your HDL and LDL production. Healthy diets lower cholesterol significantly because the highest contributor of excess cholesterol is food.

Rather than having sweets and snacks high on fat and calorie content, opt for healthier choices like fruits and nuts. Fruits contain soluble fiber that helps control bad cholesterol build up. Nuts can also aid in reducing your cholesterol. A diet that involves lean meat and protein alternatives like brown rice and kidney beans can lower the amount of fats in your body. Unwanted and unnecessary fats can be reduced by choosing foods that are packed with nutrients rather than empty carbohydrates.

If you learn to limit and control what you eat, you will improve your health and reduce your health risks. By being conscious of what you take in everyday it will be easier for you to deal with inherited health conditions and manage your HDL and LDL values. Carefully planned diets lower cholesterol and are the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle.