New study: Oats lower cholesterol in two days

If you are looking for a simple, cheap and accessible way to improve heart health – the answer may already be waiting for you in the kitchen cupboard. A new study from Germany found that a short diet based almost entirely on oats may significantly reduce bad cholesterol levels in just 48 hours. What’s more, the positive effect was maintained even six weeks later – even after the participants returned to a normal Western diet.

Why is high cholesterol dangerous?

Cholesterol is essential for hormone production and building cells, but high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can accumulate in blood vessel walls, create a fatty plaque, narrow blood flow and significantly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The problem: there are usually no early symptoms. Millions of people live with high cholesterol without knowing it.

The study, conducted at the University of Bonn, included 32 women and men who suffered from metabolic syndrome – a combination of excess weight, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and fat levels – a condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The participants were divided into two groups:

The oat group consumed about 300 grams of oats a day – about half of their usual amount of calories.

The results: a rapid and surprising decline

In the oat group participants:

According to the researchers, this is a significant effect – even if not the same as that of statin drugs, which are able to reduce cholesterol by up to 55%.

Why does it work? The answer is in the gut

Laboratory tests have shown that oats change the composition of intestinal bacteria. Certain bacteria that multiply after eating oats break down the fibers and release by-products – some of which have a positive effect on cholesterol metabolism. In addition, it was found that other bacteria help break down the amino acid histidine, which the body may turn into a substance linked to insulin resistance – a major factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Not every amount is enough

The researchers emphasize: the strong effect is only observed when eating a large amount of oats in a short period of time, along with limiting calories. When the participants ate about 80 grams a day without caloric restriction – almost no effect was recorded. According to the researchers, it is possible that an “intense oatmeal” diet that repeats once every few weeks could serve as a long-term preventive tool – but more studies are needed to confirm this.