While statins are the gold standard of cholesterol treatment, many successfully lower their levels through diet alone.
Offering guidance, British GP Dr Amir Khan outlined key dietary changes to consider for lower cholesterol levels, with legumes topping his list.
"First, we have got legumes, or pulses, which include beans, peas or lentils," Dr Khan explained. "They contain fibre, minerals and proteins."
He emphasised the importance of regular consumption, stating: "Eating them regularly can actively lower your harmful fats."
The focus on legumes comes at a time when medical professionals are increasingly recognising their health benefits.
Snacks packed with monounsaturated fats support healthy cholesterol levels
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These plant-based proteins offer a simple dietary adjustment that could significantly impact cholesterol management for many patients.
Across the Atlantic, 134 US physicians have written to the Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture advocating for similar dietary priorities.
The doctors, members of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine representing 17,000 physicians, urged that the next Dietary Guidelines for Americans should "prioritise the consumption of beans, peas, and lentils as a protein source".
"This key recommendation will help meet our shared goal of preventing and reducing chronic disease," the physicians wrote in their letter.
The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has recommended moving legumes from the vegetables category to the protein foods group, placing them first in the protein hierarchy.
Dr Khan also highlighted the benefits of avocados and nuts for cholesterol management.
"Next are avocados; these are full of monounsaturated fats, the good type of fats," he said. "They will help carry the cholesterol from your blood to the liver, which will get rid of it. Eat lots of it."
Regarding nuts, Dr Khan noted their cardiovascular benefits, "Especially almonds and walnuts."
He explained that "Walnuts are full of the plant version of omega-3s, that's good fats. They contain something called phytosterols, which help block the absorption of cholesterol from the gut."
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Almonds are packed with monounsaturated fats
GETTYWholegrains also featured in his recommendations, with oats and barley containing soluble fibre and beta-glucan compounds that can reduce harmful fat levels.
Dr Khan's recommendations extended to fruits and vegetables rich in soluble fibre.
"Fruit, vegetables and berries are great because they're also full of soluble fibre, especially something called pectin, which can actively lower your cholesterol. Think of things like apples, grapes, carrots, aubergines, and strawberries," he advised.
Olive oil rounded out his dietary suggestions as "a good source of monounsaturated fats", stating: "That's the good fats, taking cholesterol out of your blood to the liver, which again will get rid of it."
Dr Khan concluded with balanced advice: "Remember life is all about balance, so eat more of these whole foods, less processed foods and fatty meats and that will help with your cholesterol."
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