Could a Plant-Based Diet Help Control Your Cholesterol?

There is a strong link between eating a plant-based diet and lower cholesterol, a type of fat in your blood. In 2017, researchers reviewed nearly 50 dietary studies. They found that eating plant-based foods could significantly lower total cholesterol. Excluding meat, poultry, fish, and egg and dairy products, vegan diets were the most effective.^1,2

So, what’s the secret “sauce” of a plant-based diet? Many factors come into play. For example, those who eat plant-based diets often weigh less. They also tend to eat less saturated fat and more foods rich in substances known to reduce cholesterol, such as fiber and plant sterols.¹

Plant sterols. Plants contain sterols, which compete with dietary cholesterol for absorption by your intestines. So that helps lower blood cholesterol levels.¹ In addition to eating more plant-based foods that are high in sterols including legumes, vegetable oils nuts and seeds, you can also try foods that have added plant sterols, such as some margarines or orange juice products. Adding just two grams each day can lower LDL by up to 15 percent.⁴

Soluble fiber. This is a type of fiber that attracts water and turns to gel during digestion. Just five to 10 grams of soluble fiber each day can decrease your LDL. Oatmeal is a well-known example of a food high in soluble fiber. It has about three to four grams per serving.

Here are other examples:

Apples
Brussels sprouts
Pears
Barley
Nuts
Seeds
Beans
Lentils
Peas
Flax seeds ^3,4

A special note about nuts: They not only are packed in fiber, but also plant sterols, unsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids – all great for your heart. Just be careful you don’t overdo since they’re also very high in calories.⁵

Substitutions. Not all fats are created equal – even if they come from plants. For example, coconut oil may be popular and plant-based; still it is high in saturated fat.⁴ By limiting saturated fats to less than seven percent of your total daily calories, you can reduce your LDL by up to 10 percent. Instead, choose olive oil and foods high in monounsaturated fatty acids, such as avocados, which you can add to salads and sandwiches. And instead of dipping high-fat corn chips into your guacamole, try veggies instead.³

Not quite ready to become a vegetarian? That’s okay. Just by adding more plants to your diet, you can lower your cholesterol and boost your health.²

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.

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