Overview
- High cholesterol affects about 40% of UK adults and often shows no symptoms but increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes without regular blood tests.
- Oat beta-glucan forms a gel in the gut that binds bile acids to block cholesterol absorption, and daily intakes of 3 to 3.5 grams can lower LDL by roughly 4–12% within weeks.
- Plant sterols and stanols compete with dietary cholesterol for intestinal uptake, with 2 to 3.3 grams consumed each day linked to LDL reductions of about 6–12% over a month.
- The British Heart Foundation and the Association of UK Dietitians now officially recommend these dietary fibres alongside statins rather than as standalone treatments.
- Experts advise pairing these foods with healthy lifestyle changes, regular cholesterol screening, and prescribed medication for a comprehensive approach to silent hypercholesterolemia.