Vegetarian Diets May Now Help Lower Your Cholesterol: Study

The findings suggested that a vegetarian diet is associated with total cholesterol that is 29.2 milligrams per deciliter. In clinical trials, this diet lowered total cholesterol by 12.5 mg/dL.

High cholesterol is one of the primary reasons for heart diseases. High levels of bad cholesterol can increase the risk of a stroke. Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid and is vital for the normal functioning of the body. However, there are different kinds. And what's known as bad cholesterol can pose serious health threats. The researchers believe that the link may be due to the association of a vegetarian diet with a lower body weight, a reduced intake of saturated fat and an increased intake of plant foods that are naturally rich in components like soluble fiber, plant sterols and soy protein.

"The immediate health benefits of a plant-based diet, like weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol, are well documented in controlled studies," said study author Susan Levin. "Our goal with studying plasma lipids throughout the lifespan is to capture the net risk reduction of using a vegetarian diet to control lipid levels. We hope to empower patients with new research about the long-term cardiovascular health benefits of a vegetarian diet, which include a reduced risk of a heart attack, stroke, and premature death."

The study has also found out that consuming oats regularly can lead to a decrease of five to ten percent.