Fats and oils fall in 2 categories : saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fats come fromanimal sources and can raise your cholesterol levels. Unsaturated fats help in lowering LDL- cholesterol levels. There are 2 types of unsaturated fats namely monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Monounsaturated fats are found in CANOLA, OLIVE, and PEANUT OILS. They help in lowering LDL.. Polyunsaturated fats are further categorised into 2 types : OMEGA 3 and OMEGA 6. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in plenty in cold water fish like herrings, salmons, sardines, mackerel. Vegetarians have an option of getting omega 3 from diets rich in walnuts, flaxseeds, canola oils.Omega 3 prevents blood clotting which may trigger a heart attack, while lowering triglycerides. Omega 6 is found in safflower, sunflower, corn oils, almonds, pecans, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are not produced by the body but are very essential to health. and must be provided by foods you eat. This will help in lowering cholesterol. Omega 3 supplements are also available in the market, but caution should be taken while consuming these if you are on blood thinning or statin drugs.