High LDL cholesterol is one of the most common conditions US adults live with, and both the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Mayo Clinic keep returning to the same short list of foods when explaining how to bring the numbers down through diet.
The AHA's 2026 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health, published online March 31, 2026 in the journal Circulation, restates the core message. Strong evidence shows that swapping saturated fats for foods rich in unsaturated fats lowers LDL cholesterol.
The statement also emphasizes patterns over single foods, urging people to build heart-healthy habits early and hold onto them across a lifetime.
The CDC frames the same idea for consumers, advising people to choose foods high in fiber and low in saturated fat, and to favor unsaturated fats such as those in avocados, olive oil, and nuts.
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Here are six foods the AHA and Mayo Clinic highlight, and why they work.
1. Oats and oat bran
Oats are the flagship source of soluble fiber, which pulls cholesterol out of the digestive tract before it reaches the blood.
According to the Mayo Clinic, 5 to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases LDL cholesterol. A bowl of oatmeal or oat bran provides 3 to 4 grams of fiber, and topping it with fruit adds more.
2. Fatty fish
The Mayo Clinic recommends at least two servings of fatty fish a week, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, or trout.
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Omega-3 fatty acids in these fish do not lower LDL directly, but may help reduce triglycerides and raise HDL, the protective cholesterol. Baking or grilling preserves the benefits that frying does not.
3. Beans and other legumes
The AHA highlights beans, peas, and lentils as plant proteins that are high in minerals and dietary fiber without the saturated fat found in some animal proteins.
The Mayo Clinic groups kidney beans among the everyday sources of soluble fiber that help hit the 5 to 10 gram daily target. Substituting plant-based proteins for red meat is linked to lower blood cholesterol.
4. Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, and other tree nuts can improve blood cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Walnuts add omega-3 fats, and almonds contribute monounsaturated fats. A small daily handful works best because nuts are calorie-dense.
5. Plant-based oils
Replacing butter and other solid fats with liquid plant oils is one of the most consistent dietary levers for LDL.
Options include canola, safflower, sunflower, soybean, and olive oil. The AHA's 2026 update, summarized in Top Things to Know, points to food sources of unsaturated fat over food sources of saturated fat as a core habit of heart-healthy eating.
6. Fiber-rich fruits
Apples, pears, and berries provide soluble fiber that adds to the daily total. The Mayo Clinic groups these fruits with kidney beans and Brussels sprouts as everyday sources that can help hit the 5 to 10 gram soluble-fiber target.
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Adding fruit to a bowl of oatmeal is a simple way to stack two of these foods in one meal.
When diet alone is not enough
Food is a powerful tool, but not a guarantee. Genetics, age, and other risk factors can keep LDL elevated even when the plate looks right, and many people need medication in addition to a heart-healthy diet.
Anyone with high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, or questions about treatment should talk with their doctor about which combination of steps fits their situation.
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