Reducing cholesterol to a healthy level can seem like an overwhelming task. It may easier than you think. Carefully choosing certain foods can help you cut cholesterol, keep your heart healthy and avoid medication.

In addition to regular exercise, the foods we choose have a substantial impact on cholesterol, which can produce significant benefits, particularly for the heart. High LDL, or "bad" cholesterol can significantly heighten the risk of heart attack.

Carol Wolin-Riklin, a registered dietitian at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School, urged avoiding prepared, packaged foods that tend to be high in transfat.

Also avoid frying. Instead choose preparation methods such as broiling, baking or grilling, using spices instead of high-fat sauces and marinades to add flavor.

"Think of foods that are closer to natural and nature. You want a good mix of whole grains, oats, fruits and vegetables, and choose lean meats. Also low fat or skin dairy products," Wolin-Riklin said. "Even if it is genetic, you can impact it. You might need only one medication instead of two or three."

This can significantly cut medication side effects, benefiting the patient.

"The last thing you want to do is narrow those arteries," she said. "The more active you are in lowering cholesterol levels, the more proactive you are in lowering the risk of heart disease."

Top 10 Foods to Lower LDL Cholesterol

1. Oats, oatmeal or oat-based cereal like Cheerios

Oatmeal helps reduce cholesterol because it is considered a soluable fiber, which helps reduce absorption of cholesterol in the blood stream.

Consuming at least five grams of soluable fiber each day can decrease your total cholesterol. A bowl of a cup and a half of cooked oatmeal would easily fill this requirement, as would two daily bowls of Multigrain Cheerios.

Oats also can be incorporated into breads, muffins and a variety of cold cereals. High-fiber veggie burgers made from oatmeal also could help you meet your daily fiber intake. Try experimenting with a variety of hot and cold varieties of oatmeal to find one you like.

2. Beans, such as kidney, chickpea, pinto and navy

Beans are high in protein and contain no cholesterol. They are also a soluable fiber. A 2007 U.S. Department of Agriculture study showed that eating as little a half a cup each day could help lower cholesterol. A separate study showed beans could cut cholesterol by up to 8 percent, though additional research is needed to determine the mechanism for lowering cholesterol.

Add beans as a side dish, such as a marinated bean salad, or try adding beans to chili. Beans also can be used instead of meats for tacos, and other Mexican-style dishes. Pita dipped in hummus or grilled black bean burgers also make it easy to consume plenty of beans.

3. Whole grains, such as barley and flaxseed

Whole grains contain the entire grain including the bran, germ and endosperm. Examples include whole-wheat flour, oatmeal, whole cornmeal, brown rice and bulgur.

Dietary fiber from whole grain can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Whole grains are a type of Insoluble fiber, and are also particularly good at slowing the progression of heart disease in those most at risk.

Try replacing regular pasta with the whole wheat variety, and choose whole grain bread, rice and cereal. Barley soup is another way to incorporate whole grains.

4. Fatty fish and omega-3 fatty acids

Fatty fish contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can aid in reducing blood pressure, and also the risk of blood clots in addition to cholesterol benefits. It also can prevent sudden death for those who have previously suffered a heart attack.

The Mayo Clinic recommends at least two servings of baked or grilled fish each week. Those with the highest omega-3 fatty acids include albacore tuna, salmon, halibut, lake trout, mackerel and herring.

Omega-3 or fish oil supplements are available, but they don't provide the same nutrients found in the fish such as selenium. Eat lean meats instead if you decide to try supplements instead of fatty fish.

5. Citrus fruits, apples, tomatoes, spinach, grapes, pears, prunes and strawberries

Fruits and vegetables are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, carbohydrates and complex phytochemicals. Adding as little as one extra daily serving of a fruit or vegetable could help lower cholesterol.

Dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, and red, yellow and orange varieties including tomatoes and citrus fruits appear to offer the greatest heart benefit.