Eat these to help reduce cholesterol levels

The holiday overeating and New Year's overindulging are distant memories.

Unfortunately, your body may still be feeling the effects. Harvard Medical School warns of "the armada of fats" sloshing around the bloodstreams of older folks who have been indulgent about what they eat.

But eating the right stuff may help reduce the damage from the wrong stuff. Here are the five best cholesterol-lowering foods, according to the Harvard Heart Letter.

Oats. Harvard says start your day with Cheerios or oatmeal.

Barley The little grain delivers big benefits because it is loaded with soluble fiber.

Beans.They will also help you lose weight because they make you feel full.

Eggplant. Low in calories and rich in soluble fiber.

Nuts. Two ounces of almonds, walnuts or peanuts a day can reduce  "bad" cholesterol by 5 percent.