Our livers manufacture cholesterol, but we also get it from animal products. It is important for our health to keep our cholesterol levels as low as possible.

If you want to do this by diet instead of taking pills (and who doesn’t?) here’s what you should be doing.

Stop eating meat and its by-products. This means fish, chicken, beef, pork, milk, cheese and eggs. You should also eliminate fried foods and highly processed foods. Reduce Trans fats.

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables; especially apples, carrots and citrus fruits, and lots of whole grains; lentils, barley and oats for fiber and antioxidants. Drink green tea and water. A few nuts each day are good for you, but remember they are high in fat, so not too many. Garlic is good for lowering both cholesterol and blood pressure.

As far as life style changes: do not smoke, exercise daily, de-stress and get enough sleep.