Khaberni - A recent study has shown that adhering to a simple diet based on oats for two days can help reduce levels of harmful cholesterol (LDL) by up to 10%, with these results continuing for up to six weeks after the experiment ended.
High cholesterol is a dangerous factor that increases the likelihood of arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. While doctors prescribe medications to help, the study suggests that modifying the diet could be an effective option.
The study was published in the journal Nature Communications, and involved individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, levels of fats, and blood sugar, and weight gain.
A group of them underwent a low-calorie diet based on boiled oats only three times a day, allowing the addition of a little fruit or vegetables, while they consumed about half their usual calories.
The results showed a 10% decrease in LDL levels and an average weight loss of two kilograms, with a slight decrease in blood pressure.
Marie Christine Simon, Assistant Professor at the University of Bonn and the lead author of the study, confirmed that the short-term diet based on oats is "a good way to maintain cholesterol within normal range and prevent diabetes".
In a second trial, participants replaced one daily meal with oats for six weeks without altering the rest of their calories, and it showed no significant changes in cholesterol levels.
The findings of this study support the recommendations of other health bodies, including Harvard and "Mayo Clinic", which recommend eating oats because it contains soluble fiber that easily reduces levels of harmful cholesterol as part of the daily diet.
