1. Eat more fiber. Studies show that fiber has a direct and dramatic cholesterol-lowering effect. You can get plenty or by eating fresh, whole, unprocessed foods and a plant-based diet. Pectin, a soluble form of fiber found in apples, blueberries, and grapefruit, particularly helps reduce cholesterol. If you want to add more fiber, take 1 teaspoon a day of psyllium with 8 ounces of water or juice. Psyllium is the active ingredient in Metamucil, but the latter also has sugar, preservatives, and food colorings. Stick to the plain psyllium found in your health food store – it's cheaper too!

2. Make olive oil and fish oil your predominant dietary fats. They both can actually lower LDL cholesterol. However, don't entirely neglect the other fats: keep your nutrition in balance.

3. Add garlic to your diet. Garlic is a powerful cholesterol-lowering substance and lowers blood pressure, too. Add it liberally to your diet and take it in capsules.

4. Have a glass of red wine with dinner or a cup of green tea, or take a bioflavonoid supplement such as grapeseed extract and/or green tea daily. Both are known to have a cholesterol-lowering effect. However, too much alcohol (more than two drinks per day) will raise cholesterol levels.

5. Take niacin.

6. Take your cholesterol-busting supplements.

7. Eat your cholesterol-busting foods. [sidebar]

8. Exercise, which will directly raise HDL cholesterol. It's a must for healthy arteries.

 From: Mindell, Earl L., Virginia Hopkins. Prescription Alternatives, Third Edition : Hundreds of Safe, Natural Prescription-Free Remedies to Restore and Maintain Your Health McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.