Overview
- Increasing polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, boosting fibre and legumes, and reducing refined carbohydrates and saturated fats form the core recommendations.
- Evidence cited includes a roughly 5–10% LDL reduction from adding nuts and up to about a 30% lower cardiovascular disease risk on polyunsaturated‑rich diets.
- Measurable LDL changes are typically seen after around 10 days, grow by two weeks, and can be substantial within one month.
- LDL is identified as the harmful cholesterol that promotes arterial plaque, HDL is described as beneficial, and a 1 mmol/L rise in LDL is linked to an estimated 25% higher 10‑year CVD risk.
- If cholesterol remains high after a month of dietary changes, the guidance is to continue discussions with a GP about whether statins are needed.