High levels of bad cholesterol threaten the health of your heart. Limit the amount of foods that contain saturated fats, which can increase your cholesterol. These include butter, lard, fatty meats and full-fat dairy products. Instead, support your diet with foods that can naturally lower your cholesterol.

“Fill your plate with foods rich in soluble fiber, such as beans, sweet potatoes, berries, plums, broccoli and carrots, which help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels,” suggests Bowerman.