The effects of foods on LDL cholesterol levels: A systematic review of the accumulated evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials
2021 May Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases Schoeneck M, Iggman D
Foods high in unsaturated fats, low in saturated and trans fats (e.g., rapeseed/canola oil), with added plant sterols/stanols, and high in soluble fiber (e.g., oats, barley, and psyllium) were found to cause at least moderate reductions in LDL cholesterol, supported by high evidence. Unfiltered coffee showed a moderate to large increase. Other foods, including soy protein, tomatoes, flaxseeds, almonds, avocados, turmeric, pulses, hazelnuts, walnuts, high-fiber/wholegrain foods, and green tea, had varying effects with moderate evidence. Sugar caused a small increase in LDL cholesterol. Several foods were identified as having neutral or low evidence regarding their effects on LDL cholesterol.
Systematic Review