Cholesterol, High Cholesterol

There is consistent evidence from epidemiologic and clinical studies that tree nuts and peanuts reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) and also have beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia. Nuts lower total and LDL cholesterol to a greater extent than expected based on their favorable fatty acid profile and also appear to contain other bioactive compounds with cholesterol-lowering properties. Including nuts and peanuts in a healthy diet may decrease the risk of CHD. (29)

Oats for treatment of high cholesterol:

Consumption of oats and other whole grains may reduce the effects on major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), in adults with high cholesterol. Men and women with mild to moderate high cholesterol were included in two groups: an oat group (n=85) who consumed 100 grams of instant oat cereal or control group (n=81) who consumed 100 grams of wheat flour-based noodles daily for 6 weeks. In the oat group, dietary fiber intake increased significantly and total cholesterol decreased significantly by 6.2% compared to a 2.3% decrease in the control group. LDL cholesterol also decreased significantly by 8.4% compared to a 3.5% decrease in the control group. Conversely, HDL cholesterol decreased significantly in the control group versus the oat group. (30)