Superfoods that will keep you healthy all winter!

If your doctor says your cholesterol level is a bit high, but not through the roof, you might be wondering if you could get it under control without medications. You can—and you can get all-over healthier at the same time! Try:

1 Pomegranate . . . if you’re concerned about cancer

A daily 400-mg. dose of pomegranate extract or 6-oz. glass of pomegranate juice could lower your cholesterol level 15% in three months, Northwestern University research shows. Compounds in the fruit help remove excess fats from your liver. One option: Life Extension’s Pomegranate Fruit Extract ($13, Lef.com/ww). ■ Bonus! A daily dose of pomegranate extract will reduce your risk of breast and colon cancers 33%, research shows. Important: Check with your doctor before starting any new supplement.

2 Black currant seed oil . . . if your joints ache

Supplementing with 500 mg. to 600 mg. of black currant seed oil daily normalizes cholesterol levels for one in three women, reports the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. The oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a healthy fat that cuts your liver’s cholesterol production, says study coauthor Kaisa Linderborg, PH.D. ■ Bonus! Natural anti-inflammatories in back currant oil can soothe joint inflammation and pain in as little as 12 weeks, research shows.

3 Curcumin . . . if your memory is foggy

Supplementing with curcumin—the active ingredient in turmeric— could lower your LDL cholesterol as much as 12%. Curcumin activates enzymes that keep cholesterol levels steady, even as your diet changes from day to day, says researcher Ramona Koerting, PH.D. Check the label for dosage. ■ Bonus! Several Indian studies confirm that curcumin slows brain aging, cutting your risk of memory loss as much as 37%.

4 Cacao . . . if your blood pressure rises

Nutrient-rich cacao—an extract of raw cocoa beans—prods your muscles to burn blood fats for fuel, cutting cholesterol up to 11 points in two months if you take 400 mg. daily or eat 2 oz. of dark chocolate, according to studies. One option: Swanson’s Full Spectrum Cacao ($5.50 for 60 capsules, Swansonvitamins.com). ■ Bonus! In an Asian study, cacao reduced blood pressure as much as eight points in three weeks.