Do you crave for street food with dollops of butter or ghee on it? When you eat food containing saturated and trans fats and sugar, your bad cholesterol levels may go up, blocking your arteries and cause cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and hypertension. Sounds scary, right? Here are six vegetarian foods to promote good cholesterol and enhance healthy living.

Nuts

Power-packed nuts such as almonds (with their skin on), walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, peanuts have heart-healthy fats that are excellent in reducing bad cholesterol. Nibble a handful of almonds as a pre-lunch or evening snack or sprinkle them on cereals and salads.

Beans and Lentils

Beans such as Bengal gram, kidney beans, and chickpeas are cholesterol-free, low fat, and rich in dietary fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels. Make lentil curries or add beans in soups, salads, stews, and pasta. 

Blueberries

Blueberries have a powerful antioxidant that helps in lowering bad cholesterol. Eat them in small quantities or make a yummy blueberry smoothie.

Oats

A bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning works well. It is a healthy breakfast option that is nutritious and filling.

Brown Rice

Unpolished brown rice has nutrients such as vitamin B, magnesium, selenium. Brown rice is an excellent substitute for white rice, pulao, and biryani.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is high in unsaturated fats and helps raise good cholesterol. It is the perfect replacement for vegetable oils that put your heart at risk. Add extra virgin oil to salads and enjoy its goodness.

Eat vegetarian foods more to prevent the harmful effects of bad cholesterol.