In this article, we will discuss the 20 foods that lower cholesterol fast. If you want to skip our discussion on the cholesterol API industry, you can go directly to the 5 Foods That Lower Cholesterol Fast.
According to a recent report by WHO, 39% of people worldwide have high cholesterol levels. This health concern is almost evenly distributed between genders, with 40% of the population being female and 37% male. The market for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) containing cholesterol is estimated to be valued at $280.6 million in 2023. The market is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 4.7% to reach a value of $445.3 million by the year 2033. Cholesterol API is a vital component utilized in the manufacturing of cholesterol-lowering medicines. In the context of geographical distribution, Europe is expected to be the most significant market from 2023 to 2031, with a 31.5% share in 2022. Europe's three most significant markets are Germany, France, and Italy. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific held a market share of 30.1% in 2022, with the main growth drivers being Japan, China, and India. Furthermore, North America represented 23.4% of the market in 2022, while the combined contribution of Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa was 8.2% in the same year.
The cholesterol API market's expansion is primarily attributable to the compound's importance for the stability of a liposomal membrane formulation, which is employed in various vaccines and drug delivery systems to get the best outcomes. For instance, the liposome delivery technique increases the amount of medication the body can absorb by 25 to 100 times compared to traditional drug delivery methods, making it more suitable for treating disorders. The importance of cholesterol has been emphasized in several studies on liposomal compositions. In addition, individuals are now becoming more mindful of foods to avoid with high cholesterol, recognizing the impact of diet on cholesterol levels. You can also check out the 20 Foods Consumed By Longest Living People Every Day here.
The global cholesterol market is heavily concentrated, with a few notable companies holding the most market share. Manufacturers of cholesterol-related drugs are making significant investments in research and development initiatives, mainly to diversify their product line. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO), Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT), and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) are among the key players in the industry.
Here’s what Baron Funds said about Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) in its Q2 2023 investor letter:
“Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) is the world’s largest life sciences tools company. Thermo Fisher provides analytical instruments, laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables, and reagents for life sciences research, manufacturing, analysis, discovery, and diagnostics. Shares fell along with other life sciences tools stocks because of multiple headwinds, including a slowdown in capital spending among pharmaceutical customers, slowed growth in China, lack of funding and spending among pre-commercial biotechnology companies, and inventory destocking among bioprocessing customers. We view these headwinds as temporary and believe management can achieve its long-term goal of solid mid- to high single-digit organic revenue growth driven by long-term end-market dynamics in the life sciences industry, including favorable demographics, scientific advances, new technology, and increased regulations.”
An assembly line of automated machines packing a variety of plant-based foods and beverages. Editorial photo for a financial news article. 8k. --ar 16:9
Our Methodology
To shortlist the 20 foods that lower cholesterol fast, we referred to multiple renowned sources such as Healthline, Medical News Today (MNT), CNBC, and Mayo Clinic. CNBC's insights from a cardiologist provided useful information on foods that lower cholesterol quickly naturally. With this context in mind, let's begin our list of foods to lower cholesterol.
Foods That Lower Cholesterol Fast
20. Okra
Mucilage, a gel contained in okra, has been discovered by researchers to decrease cholesterol levels during digestion. Okra also has essential nutrients, including folate, dietary fiber, magnesium, antioxidants, and other vitamins.
19. Kale
Kale is a nutrient-rich vegetable, particularly known for its high fiber content. A single cup of cooked kale provides 4.7 grams of dietary fiber. Research from 2016 has shown that increasing dietary fiber intake can help lower blood fat levels and reduce blood pressure. Additionally, adding more fiber to your diet can lower LDL and total cholesterol levels. Kale is also rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health and can help combat inflammation.
18. Orange Juice
According to PubMed Central, a study involving 129 individuals discovered that regular consumption of orange juice results in reduced levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol. Furthermore, plant sterols, when added to orange juice, can aid in lowering LDL cholesterol significantly. Additionally, orange juice also has the ability to elevate levels of "good" HDL cholesterol.
17. Kidney Beans
Reducing cholesterol is a key strategy to lower the risk of heart disease and improve overall health. When it comes to choosing a clean and healthy source of protein, kidney beans are a good option. They provide a similar amount of fiber and protein as other bean varieties but with slightly fewer calories and less cholesterol, making them a healthy choice for those looking to manage their cholesterol levels.
16. Garlic
Garlic is used in various dishes and is known for its numerous health benefits. Research suggests that garlic can play a role in regulating blood cholesterol levels. A 2015 meta-analysis also demonstrated that garlic has a positive effect on lowering blood pressure, particularly when consumed in supplement form.
15. Soybeans
Soybeans are a type of legume that are known to effectively reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol while increasing levels of "good" HDL cholesterol. A 2019 review of 46 studies examining the impact of soy on LDL cholesterol found that a median consumption of 25 grams of soy protein per day over a period of six weeks decreased LDL cholesterol by a clinically relevant 4.76 milligrams per deciliter. Overall, the study's findings support soy protein's inclusion in a heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering diet by showing that it can lower LDL cholesterol in adults by about 3-4%.
14. Barley
A diet high in soluble fiber, which includes barley, has been demonstrated to reduce total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol by 5–10%.
13. Margarine
Compared to conventional margarine, light margarine has fewer saturated and trans fats. If your diet is limited in saturated fat and cholesterol, using a spread that contains heart-healthy plant sterols or stanols (2 grams per day) can assist in reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
12. Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a popular part of the Mediterranean diet, where it finds a wide range of applications beyond just cooking oil. This oil is abundant in monounsaturated fats, offering a healthier alternative to saturated fats, which can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. In a five-year study involving older individuals at risk for heart disease, participants were placed on a Mediterranean diet and provided with 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of extra virgin olive oil daily. The results revealed that those consuming olive oil experienced a 30% reduced risk of severe cardiac events, including heart attacks and strokes.
11. Tofu
Tofu is a protein-rich food, and consuming just 25 grams of it daily can lead to a notable reduction in cholesterol levels, typically in the range of 5-6%.
10. Berries
Soluble fiber, abundant in many different types of fruit, is known to help reduce cholesterol levels. Berries and grapes are rich sources of these compounds, which can support "good" HDL and reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol.
9. Apples
A study published in 2019 provided evidence that consuming two apples daily led to a decrease in both total and LDL cholesterol levels in a group of 40 individuals with slightly elevated cholesterol. Apples were also found to help lower triglyceride levels, a type of fat that enters the bloodstream after eating. The amount of dietary fiber in an apple typically ranges from 3 to 7 grams, depending on its size. Furthermore, apples contain polyphenols, which also have the potential to contribute to the reduction of cholesterol levels.
8. Eggplant
One cup of eggplant provides approximately 2.4 grams of dietary fiber. According to the American Heart Association, dietary fiber is known to help lower blood cholesterol levels.
7. Almonds
Nuts are a highly nutrient-dense food known for their abundance of monounsaturated fats. They also contain phytosterols, which are plant substances that work by inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Consuming 2-3 servings of nuts daily has been shown to reduce levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol by an average of 10.2 mg/dl, as indicated in a review of 25 studies. Furthermore, regular consumption of nuts is associated with a substantial 28% decrease in the risk of both fatal and non-fatal heart disease.
6. Dark Chocolate
Flavonoids, an antioxidant found in dark chocolate, assist in lowering LDL levels. It's important to consume dark chocolate in moderation because it can also be high in sugar and saturated fat. In a randomized experiment conducted in 2015, participants consumed a beverage containing cocoa flavanol twice daily for one month. At the end of the trial, their LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure had decreased, while their HDL cholesterol levels had increased.
Various companies, including Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO), Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT), and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) are among the key players in the API cholesterol industry, contributing to the research and development of health-related products.