There are three different types of cholesterol in the human body, all of which can be affected by the food that is eaten on a daily basis. Two types of cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides are dangerous to health in high numbers. The third type, high density lipoproteins (HDL) is considered good cholesterol and can help to remove LDL from the blood, meaning higher levels of HDL are healthier. There are several ways that a cholesterol lowering food can work. The first is to directly reduce the amount of LDL and triglycerides that are in the blood, which is exactly how polyunsaturated fats operate. The second way involves introducing molecules into the blood that will bind with harmful cholesterol and remove it from the body, as soluble fiber does. Finally, there are substances that will stop the body from absorbing harmful cholesterol initially so it does not have a chance to cause problems, which is exactly what plant sterols do. Cholesterol lowering foods that contain polyunsaturated fat include nuts, oily fish like salmon, and plant-based oils like sunflower. Some foods that are rich in soluble fiber are oats, barley, lima beans, and Pears. Most foods that contain plant sterols have the substance intentionally added for its health benefits, although some of the more common foods that are fortified with sterols include yogurts, breakfast juices, margarine spreads, and some salad dressings. Aside from the direct benefits of cholesterol lowering food products, there are also some foods that can lower cholesterol in an indirect fashion. Foods that reduce blood pressure tend to allow harmful cholesterol to pass more easily through the body so it does not create large deposits in the arteries. Any food that increases the health of cells will help to reduce the amount of LDL that is absorbed into the body. Finally, eating foods such as olive oil, whole grains, and soybeans can increase the amount of HDL in the blood, which in turn reduces the amount of LDL over time.