Dietary changes can help manage high cholesterol levels

High cholesterol often lacks noticeable symptoms, meaning many individuals remain unaware of their levels until blood tests are performed. While doctors may prescribe statins, lifestyle and dietary changes can significantly impact cholesterol levels for those who do not strictly require medication.

Dr. Riyaz Patel, a cardiologist with the NHS and University College London, notes that dietary adjustments are among the most effective ways to improve cholesterol. He recommends foods rich in soluble fiber, such as oats, whole grains, lentils, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, as these can bind cholesterol in the small intestine and reduce its absorption into the bloodstream.

Additionally, plant sterols and stanols found in certain fortified foods and supplements may reduce cholesterol absorption by approximately 10 percent. While dietary cholesterol is often a concern, experts clarify that the liver produces about 80 percent of the cholesterol circulating in the body, though diet still plays a role in managing LDL levels.