Cholesterol Lowering Foods work especially when eaten in combination

Study affirmed that a combination of cholesterol-lowering foods works!

Researchers from the University of Toronto studied the effectiveness of a cholesterol-lowering diet. About 60 people were instructed to eat a healthy plant-based diet high in cholesterol-lowering foods such as soy protein, fiber, almonds and spreads with plant sterols. The results showed that the participants who followed the diet for one year had lowered their cholesterol levels by 20 percent. The results were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in March 2006.

Editor's Note: Combination of Cholesterol-lowering foods --> comparable to Statins

Numerous studies showed the beneficial effects of individual diets high in soy, fiber (especially soluble fiber found in oats, barley and psyllium), nuts, plant sterols, and fruits & vegetables. This University of Toronto study seems to be the first to investigate the benefits a diet high in a combination of these cholesterol-lowering foods.  It is most exciting to note a diet that can lower cholesterol by 20 percent is comparable with the reduction achieved by 29 subjects who took a statin (a cholesterol-lowering drug) for one month in a separate study.

Bottom Line: For a sensible heart smart diet, include at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables and 3 servings of whole grains a day. Choose leaner meats and low-fat dairy. Limit the intake of both saturated fats and trans fat - instead choose foods high in omega 3 fatty acids such as fish and nuts. In addition, choose wholesome fresh foods instead of packaged foods, which are often high in calories and sodium. Further Reading: Heart Smart Diet Click here if you would like to read details of each cholesterol-lowering food and other Heart Smart Diet FAQ Healthy Eating Guidelines 5 Healthiest Foods

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