Cholesterol is a waxy compound found in human blood. It is required to maintain the structure of its cell membranes and produce hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and adrenal hormones. However, a diet full of junk and oily food can result in high cholesterol in the blood, leading to a series of heart and other health complications. Here are some low cholesterol snacks to keep you satiated for longer and keep health complications at bay.

Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts can be a great snack option if you are looking to control your cholesterol. They are rich in monounsaturated fats that do not clog the arteries. These can be enjoyed with your favorite cereal, milk, and berries.

Vegetable salad
Apart from oily and junk food, one of the reasons for high cholesterol is a meaty diet. Meats are a great source of fiber and protein. However, when cooked and fried in oil, the fats present in them can act as a double whammy. So, it is recommended to switch to fresh vegetables that are low in fat. They are also low in calories and cholesterol that could result in heart diseases. Try seasoning them with your favorite low-fat salad dressing or hummus made from chickpeas to make it a wholesome snack.

Oatmeal
This nutritious snack contains soluble fiber and is not necessarily only a breakfast food. You can pour a bowl of oatmeal for your midnight snacking. Oatmeal can soak up LDL “bad cholesterol” in the arteries. The fiber content in the oatmeal helps in proper digestion. This enables the liver to produce more bile, thereby lowering LDL further. Try pairing oatmeal with your preferred flavored milk, some berries, and nuts.

Wheat bread
It can be one of the most effective snacks to lower high cholesterol. It is high in fiber and can keep you full for longer and aids in digestion. This reduces the chances of eating unhealthy snacks. Adding your preferred spreads like peanut butter or cheddar and Gouda cheese will provide you with gut-friendly probiotics and keep your cholesterol under check.

Fruits
Satisfy your sugar cravings with a bowl of fruits such as grapes, apples, strawberries, and other citrus fruits. These potassium and pectin-rich snacks help lowering high cholesterol as well as control blood pressure.

Popcorn
It is a whole-grain low-calorie snack that is full of fiber. Cooking it with olive oil and adding low-fat cheese will enhance flavor and help lower the LDL cholesterol in the blood, thereby ensuring a healthy heart.

Quinoa chips
Quinoa has at least 15 percent fewer carbohydrates, 25 percent more fiber, and 60 percent more protein than brown rice. Quinoa chips are light on the stomach, and they also help in lowering cholesterol. Enjoy quinoa chips with yogurt, hummus, or any other healthy dip to make the snack more nutritious.