Lower your cholesterol with these five healthy foods! - Watch slideshow

If you are habitual or simply love to satisfy your palates with junk food, there are chances your cholesterol levels might be high.

Similarly, overweight or obese people may have the same signs. High cholesterol levels are reflective of the fact that you're living an unhealthy lifestyle.

We know how hard it is to resist temptations, but, it is also essential to understand that high cholesterol levels signal the onset of many cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, heart disease, et al.

That said, we bring you five such foods that will help lower your cholesterol and keep you hail and hearty!

Whole grains definitely bring some discipline where healthy eating is concerned and contribute toward healthier cholesterol levels. Containing a soluble fiber called beta-glucan, oats can lower cholesterol by as much as 20 percent.

Rich in both monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids, these nuts have the potential to reduce cholesterol levels by around 15 percent. As an added bonus, they also improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation.

Super rich in monounstaurated fatty acids, olive oil has the power to reduce cholesterol as well as inflammation. You can use it in cooking and even as a salad dressing.

Soy is rich proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, therefore, food items like soy milk, soy beans and tofu are active when it comes to reducing cholesterol.

Ocean fish like Salmon and Tuna, are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. If you are fond of red meat which are known to spike your cholesterol levels, you can instead opt for salmon and/or tuna fish to normalize it.

-- By Udita Madan