It is so incredibly difficult to eat healthy sometimes! Foods can be tricky. Even when you go to the supermarket, you have to stay on the lookout. Read the labels because a lot of the foods that you think look healthy are, in all actuality, not that healthy for you! One of the major health related issues with foods in the United States deals with high levels of cholesterol. While there are plenty of high cholesterol foods out there, there are also plenty of low-cholesterol foods as well. For example, if you have a choice between having scrambled eggs and toast in the morning (which is loaded with cholesterol and carbohydrates), why not choose a healthier alternative like cereal or oatmeal and a banana? Oatmeal is notorious for being a low cholesterol food. Similarly, many cereals are low in cholesterol and high in iron and other good vitamins. Bananas are high in potassium, which is also good for you.

If you are like most Americans you are probably concerned with the amount of cholesterol in your diet. And if your doctor has told you that your cholesterol levels are too elevated you are even more aware of the dangers of high cholesterol and how important it is to work to get those levels down.. Here is a list of the best foods that you can add to your diet to help get those numbers down.

Oatmeal (or oat bran) is a great way to help fight high cholesterol. Adding just a cup and half of cooked oatmeal to your diet per day will give you 6 grams of fiber which plays a vital role in the fight against high cholesterol by blocking cholesterol and making it harder for your intestines to absorb.

Research has shown that fish high in omega 3 fatty acids (or fish oil supplements) can help fight high cholesterol and can also lower the blood pressure and help reduce the chance of blood clots. It is recommended that you have baked fish at least twice a week. Fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, albacore and salmon all have high levels of omega 3 fatty acids to help keep your heart strong and healthy.

Walnuts are quickly becoming a new power food since, according to new research, they are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids which help to combat high cholesterol. A similar effect has also been found when adding almonds to the diet making these nuts a must have food to add to the list. And since you only need 2 grams a day you can easily have them for a snack or toss them in salad or other dish.

Last on our list is Olive Oil, which is loaded with tons of antioxidants that can lower your bad cholesterol without diminishing the good, is another great choice for the low cholesterol diet. You only need about 2 tablespoons a day. It is great for cooking and gives you yet one more simple way to be healthier.