Current recommendations are to keep total cholesterol levels <200 mg/dl.  The best way to manage your cholesterol levels are to eat healthy wholesome foods, limit saturated fat and sugar intake, eliminate trans fat (partially hydrogenated oils) from your diet, participate in regular physical exercise, keep your weight in a healthy range, and don't smoke.  

Components in foods that have actually been found to help decrease overall cholesterol levels:

Soluble Fibers. Foods rich in soluble fiber help lower cholesterol by attaching and pulling the artery clogging molecules out of the body. It is recommended to consume at least 5 - 10 grams of soluble fiber a day.  Foods rich in soluble fiber include: oatmeal, oat bran, amaranth, barley,beans, lentils, dried peas, blackberries, psyllium, eggplant, okra,  carrots, sorghum, sweet potatoes, flaxseeds.   One cup of oatmeal with 1/2 cup blackberries and 1 Tbsp flaxseeds for breakfast provides approximately 3.5 grams of soluble fiber!

Unsaturated Fats (both mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated). Foods rich in unsaturated fats have a direct impact at lowering LDL (the "bad" cholesterol). Unsaturated fats are fats found in plant foods as well as fatty fish. Generally speaking, unsaturated fats will be found in a liquid form both at room temperature and when chilled.  Good sources of unsaturated fats include: nuts such as almonds, walnuts, peanuts, liquid vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower, walnut oil, and olive oil, and avocados.

While decreasing overall cholesterol is important, research has found a strong link between a healthy heart and an increase in HDL cholesterol.  HDL is commonly referred to as "good cholesterol" because of its protective role in plaque build up. HDL helps to remove cholesterol from cells, helping to keep blood flowing through your arteries without build up or blockage. HDL concentration can be improved through exercise, acquiring and maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, niacin supplementation, and an increase in  omega 3 intake from wild-caught fish. Low HDL is considered <40 mg/dl for men and <50 mg/dl for women. A level above 60 mg/dl is considered protective.

5 Foods that will help boost HDL include: 

Avocados

Lentils

Nuts high in Omega-3 Fatty acids such as walnuts

Olive Oil 

Tomatoes

Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom.

And in all your getting, get understanding (NKJV)