Q&A: Can particular foods lower bad cholesterol?
Can particular foods or dietary strategies lower "bad" LDL cholesterol? —A.S., via e-mail Yes, several. Foods that can help lower LDL include those high in fiber (particularly oat bran, psyllium, and barley) and foods containing added or natural stanols or sterols—plant substances that inhibit the absorption of cholesterol—such as Benecol and Take Control margarines, Minute Maid Premium Heart Wise orange juice, and certain nuts and seeds. Eating two to three servings of soy foods each day may also help. Researchers have found that combining those foods increases their benefits: A diet high in soy protein, fiber, and plant sterols can reduce LDL levels as much as a low-dose statin drug. Other LDL-cutting dietary strategies include reducing saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of calories, minimizing trans fat, and losing excess weight.
Can particular foods or dietary strategies lower "bad" LDL cholesterol? —A.S., via e-mail
Yes, several. Foods that can help lower LDL include those high in fiber (particularly oat bran, psyllium, and barley) and foods containing added or natural stanols or sterols—plant substances that inhibit the absorption of cholesterol—such as Benecol and Take Control margarines, Minute Maid Premium Heart Wise orange juice, and certain nuts and seeds. Eating two to three servings of soy foods each day may also help. Researchers have found that combining those foods increases their benefits: A diet high in soy protein, fiber, and plant sterols can reduce LDL levels as much as a low-dose statin drug. Other LDL-cutting dietary strategies include reducing saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of calories, minimizing trans fat, and losing excess weight.
Your genes can impact your risk for high cholesterol. Take a look at the other risk factors and find out what works best (subscribers only) for treating high cholesterol.
Source:Q&A: Can particular foods lower bad cholesterol?