Another Drug-Free Way to Lower Cholesterol . . . If you are a guy.

A study performed at Iowa State University found that men with high cholesterol who ate at least 150 milligrams of flaxseed lignans a day (about three tablespoons) experienced nearly a 10 percent decrease in cholesterol.  The study didn't explain why flaxseed consumption didn't have the same effect on women.  I sprinkle ground flaxseed on my salads.

Love Those Nuts

A review of 25 clinical trials published in Archives of Internal Medicine indicates that eating about one-half cup (2.4 ounces) of nuts a day can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol as well.  Nuts are high in calories so you might reduce your intake of other snacks and high-calorie foods.