|  |  | 6 / 11 6. Load up on fiber"A healthy diet should include 25-38g of fiber a day," says Croft-o'Halloran. It's needed for a range of purposes, including lowering cholesterol, controlling blood sugar levels, keeping your bowels regular and protecting against colon cancer. Here's how to get more fiber into your diet:
 
 
Eat wholewheat bread instead of white breadStock up on soluble fiber -- studies have shown that consuming 10 to 25 grams soluble fiber a day can lower cholesterol by 18%. Good sources include oats, oat bran, fruit, vegetables, nuts, beans and pulsesAdd 1-2 tablespoons of bran/flax seed to your favourite cerealAdd barley, beans, peas and lentils to soups and casserolesAdd sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to salads 
 
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