In a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2006 edition, researchers found that a diet of increased, soy, fiber, almonds, and plant sterols was as effective as popular statin drugs in lowering cholesterol. The only noted side effect was weight loss. “We’re hoping to make cholesterol control within the grasp of the average person more than it has been,” he added. “The advice that’s been offered so far has left many people with no option other than to take a statin.” The study was also interesting because some participants had previously participated in studies of statins, so direct comparisons were possible.

If you recall, eighteen months ago, research was published that indicated eating fruits like blueberries also lowered LDL cholesterol as well or better than statins. Statins are popular because doctors are either not up to date on the latest studies concerning statins versus diet changes, or unable to convince patients to effect enough of a lifestyle change to incorporate certain foods into their diets. I myself was able to lower my cholesterol from over 250 to under 170 by simply cutting out all meat and dairy, and increasing my intake of soy, fruits, and fiber. I also experienced the side effect of losing weight.

Increasing fiber is relatively easy. There are a number of very high fiber cereals out there that do not contain lots of wasteful sugar. Replacing cows milk with soy milk will increase your soy intake, and is probably much healthier anyway. Almonds are common enough to get any any supermarket, and there are plenty of legitimate plant sterol supplements at the market.

When I was 18 I had a cholesterol number of 270, which was rediculous. What is even more rediculous, is that I took years to change my habits. I was prescribed a statin, but it was horrible. It left me dizzy and sick to my stomach all the time. I took it for two weeks and never went back. All it took was diet. I’m glad to see the science is backing me up.

References:

Reuters Story
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