Topic summary
LDL cholesterol
Extracted from the Wikipedia article Low-density lipoprotein.
Lifestyle
LDL cholesterol can be lowered through dietary intervention by limiting foods with saturated fat and avoiding foods with trans fat. Saturated fats are found in meat products (including poultry), full-fat dairy, eggs, and refined tropical oils like coconut and palm. Added trans fat (in the form of partially hydrogenated oils) has been banned in 53 countries. However, trans fat can still be found in red meat and dairy products as it is produced in small amounts by ruminants such as sheep and cows. LDL cholesterol can also be lowered by increasing consumption of soluble fiber and plant-based foods. Canned baked beans, whole chickpeas, navy beans, pinto beans and peas decrease total and LDL cholesterol. Dietary therapy can typically lower LDL-C by 8% to 15%.