Best foods for lowering cholesterol: doctors highlight oats

Doctors and nutrition experts told the reporter that oats, because of the soluble fibre beta‑glucan, are widely recommended to help reduce LDL ('bad') cholesterol; they also mentioned nuts, beans, lentils, oily fish and swapping saturated fats for unsaturated fats.

Doctors and nutrition experts were asked which foods help lower cholesterol, and many pointed to increases in soluble fibre and healthier fats. Oats were universally recommended by the experts because they contain beta‑glucan, a soluble fibre linked to reductions in low‑density lipoprotein (LDL). Several clinicians also cited nuts, beans, lentils, oily fish and plant-based fats as supportive choices. The doctors explained that high LDL levels are associated with a greater risk of heart disease and stroke. What experts said: - Oats contain beta‑glucan, a soluble fibre that helps reduce LDL (often called "bad") cholesterol. - Beans, lentils, chickpeas, fruits like apples and berries, and barley were cited as other useful sources of soluble fibre. - Nuts, seeds and soy foods were noted for plant sterols, fibre and unsaturated fats that can contribute to a healthier lipid profile. - Replacing butter, ghee and coconut oil with olive or rapeseed oil and including oily fish were recommended as ways to reduce saturated fat intake. - Clinicians emphasized lifestyle factors such as regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and not smoking as linked to cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. - Dr Naveed Asif reported that adults are advised to have cholesterol tested at least once every four to six years starting at age 20, with more frequent checks for people with risk factors. Summary: Experts reported that dietary choices emphasizing soluble fibre (notably oats) and a shift from saturated to unsaturated fats can contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol, alongside lifestyle measures that affect cardiovascular risk. Clinicians said monitoring cholesterol levels over time and reviewing results with a GP are common parts of care, and treatment options may be considered if risk remains after lifestyle measures.