Adequate intake of foods packed with soluble fiber, such as vegetables, legumes, and psyllium, may help lower blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and guard against the development of coronary heart disease.
High concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a well-documented and strong risk factor for coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular ailments. This study examined the relationship between the intake of soluble dietary fiber and plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Researchers analyzed data obtained from several studies on the subject.
The researchers discovered that high dietary ingestion of soluble fiber from dietary sources, such as legumes, vegetables, psyllium, pectin, beta-glucan, and guar gum decreased the concentrations of LDL cholesterol floating in the blood and therefore reduced the risk of developing coronary heart disease. The findings of this study reveal that generous intake of foods rich in soluble fiber, such as legumes, vegetables, psyllium, and pectin,may be beneficial in the prevention of coronary heart disease.