Other methods to reduce LDL include the stanol esters from the butter-substitute, Benecol®, and soy foods rich in soy protein like tofu, soy protein powder (as a smoothie, for instance), and soy milk.

Nutritional supplement fans will note the absence of red yeast rice, policosanol, pantethine, and some others purported to reduce LDL cholesterol. However, I have not found consistent, reliable effects with any of these agents. Please also note that fish oil-one of my favorite supplements in the world-is not on the list because it does not reduce LDL cholesterol. It raises it, in fact, because of the shift of VLDL particles into the LDL class-an important topic for another post.

In my view, statin cholesterol drugs are a last resort useful when strategies like this have failed to yield the goals you and your doctor desire.

Related Information:

Find more recipes for oat bran and flaxseed on our partner site FoodFit.com.