Hi, thank you for your question. Oats contain soluble fibre, which lowers your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (“bad”) cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstreeam. Soluble fibre intake of 5-10g or more each day can help to decrease LDL cholesterol. One serving of oats at breakfast usually contains 3-4g of fibre.

Getting the full benefit of these foods require other changes to your diet and lifestyle. You need to eat a healthy diet. Limit your intake of food high in saturated fats and trans fat, for example, full-fat dairy products, red meat, margarine, cookies, cakes and deep-fried food. Opt for low-fat dairy products, lean cuts of meats, fish, high-fibre food whenever possible. Cut down intake of salt and sugar.

Consume food rich in omega-3 fatty acids like mackerel, tuna and salmon. Also, it is recommended that you exercise at least 30 minutes 5 times a week or do vigorous aerobic exercise for 20 minutes 3 times a week. Some examples of moderate-intensity exercises includes brisk walking, swimming and cycling. You can also try to incorporate more physical activities into your daily acitivities.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important as well. Aim to maintain your BMI at <25, waist measurement <40 inches (for men), <35 inches (for women). Next, quit smoking. You can use nicotine patches or chewing gums to help you quit smoking. For non-smokers, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

Lifestyle changes is the first step to treating high cholesterol. However, if these efforts fail to lower your cholesterol levels, you will still need to take medication prescribed by your doctor.

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