Yes, Benecol works to lower cholesterol by adding plant stanols/sterols, which the NHS and heart charities like HEART UK acknowledge as effective for reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol, with a daily intake of 1.5-2.4g lowering levels by 7-10% in a few weeks as part of a healthy diet, though it's a lifestyle supplement, not a primary medication like statins.
In men, the cholesterol reduction during Benecol® treatment (vs. placebo) was (16.9 mg/dl, 7.2%) and in women (15.4 mg/dl, 7.4%). LDL-cholesterol reduction was 14.2 mg/dl (10.8%) and 11.8 mg/dl (10.7%), in men and women, respectively.
Exercise on most days of the week and increase your physical activity. Exercise can improve cholesterol. Moderate physical activity can help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol.
Evidence consistently shows a daily intake of 1.5-2.4 grams of plant sterols or stanols can help reduce cholesterol levels by 7-10% over 2-3 weeks. This amount is the same no matter whether you're looking at a store-brand product, or a more boutique alternative like Benecol's Yoghurt Drink.
Benecol foods with added plant stanols are not nutritionally appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under five years old – unless a doctor or other heath professional has advised them. This is because cholesterol is important for normal growth.
Eat less fatty food
To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains a type of fat called saturated fat. You can still have foods that contain a healthier type of fat called unsaturated fat. Check labels on food to see what type of fat it has in it.
Eating 2g of plant stanols or sterols every day has been shown to be generally safe and effective at reducing cholesterol by 7.5 to 12 per cent in about three weeks. However, there is no long-term evidence to show that these products reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle fruit) is a tropical plant in West and Central Africa, which has been historically used for treating diarrhea in humans and animals. Pharmacological research has shown that the leaves of the plant possess anti-hyperlipidemia activity.
How many Benecol yogurt or soya drinks do I have to drink every day if I want to lower my cholesterol? Each Benecol yogurt drink provides 2.0g of plant stanols, so just one yogurt drink a day lowers cholesterol when consumed with a meal, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, which includes your '5-a-day'.
And while plant sterols and stanols may lower your cholesterol, there have been no clinical trials that show they lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. In contrast, statins have been shown to reduce both your cholesterol levels and your risk of having a heart attack and stroke.
To remove cholesterol from your body, adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle by eating more soluble fiber (oats, beans, fruits) and healthy fats (olive oil, fish), exercising regularly (30 mins most days), losing excess weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol, as these changes lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol, with some people needing medication for more severe cases.
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears.
Levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol exceeding 190 milligrams per deciliter typically call for a statin prescription. But depending on how high your cholesterol climbs, your doctor may be open to you trying to lower it using lifestyle changes. The most effective interventions involve diet and exercise.
Research has shown that in just 2–3 weeks, a daily intake of 1.5–3.0 g of plant stanols found in Benecol products reduces LDL cholesterol by 7–12.5% in 2–3 weeks. This reduction is in addition to what can be achieved with other dietary changes and/or statin therapy.
Likewise, the 2021 meta-analysis also suggested a link between apple cider vinegar consumption and a reduction in total cholesterol, which was most pronounced in people with Type 2 diabetes and those who drank up to 15 mL/day for more than eight weeks.
Other medicines for high cholesterol
Other medicines may be used if statins do not work or you do not want to take statins. These include: other tablets – such as ezetimibe, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants (also called resins) and bempedoic acid. injections – such as alirocumab, evolocumab and inclisiran.
Oats and other whole grains such as barley and brown rice contain fiber that can help reduce your “bad” cholesterol known as LDL. Consider a hearty and delicious bowl of oatmeal to start your day and be sure to opt for whole grain breads and pasta too. 2. Omega-3 fatty acids.
For most healthy people, eating two eggs a day is generally not considered too much cholesterol, as research shows eggs have a minimal effect on blood cholesterol and saturated fat intake is a bigger factor, but those with heart conditions or Type 2 diabetes should consult a doctor and might need to limit intake to around seven eggs per week. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans no longer set a specific limit on dietary cholesterol, focusing instead on limiting saturated and trans fats, making eggs a nutritious part of a balanced diet when paired with healthy foods.
If your risk is very low, you probably won't need a statin, unless your LDL is above 190 mg/dL (4.92 mmol/L ). If your risk is very high — for example, you've had a heart attack in the past — a statin may be helpful even if you don't have high cholesterol.
How can I lower cholesterol with diet?
Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine.
Fruits like avocados and apples, and citrus fruits like oranges and bananas are foods that can help lower cholesterol. Cholesterol is produced in the liver and ingested from animal products like meat, eggs and dairy products. There is good and bad cholesterol.
Both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids help lower LDL. Most plant-derived oils, including canola, safflower, sunflower, olive, grapeseed, and peanut oils, contain both. Fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, trout, herring, and mackerel), seeds, nuts, avocados and soybeans are also great sources.
The DASH diet can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol and risk of many chronic (long-term) diseases. Aim to eat a varied and balanced diet that's rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses. Include low-fat dairy products, nuts, fish and skinless poultry.
How long do lifestyle changes take to lower cholesterol? Reducing how much saturated fat you eat and eating more fibre, as well as following a balanced diet like the Mediterranean diet, can help reduce cholesterol levels by as up to 10 per cent typically by 8 to 12 weeks.