Can quick and instant oatmeal lower cholesterol levels?
Asked by maryljo on Oct 26, 2009
in Health Conditions
Does it matter what oatmeal I eat in order to help lower my cholesterol?
Answer
To get the cholesterol-lowering effects, it doesn't matter whether your oatmeal is quick-cooking, instant, Cheerios, or oat bran - as long as it is made from whole oats and contains at least 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving. An oat is "whole" if it contains the bran, endosperm and germ from the kernel. Scientific studies show 3 or more servings of whole oats per day are associated with lowering LDL ("bad" cholesterol). But all soluble fiber, not just oats, reduces your risk when you eat at least 10 grams a day. Soluble fiber is found in many foods, such as apples, pears, prunes, dried beans, barley, and psyllium (Metamucil) in addition to oats.
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