In one study, catechins lowered triglycerides and cholesterol in hamsters at doses equal to three cups of green tea per day. 1 Chocolate also possesses flavonoids. Both dietary soluble and insoluble fiber provide cardiovascular benefits. Oatmeal's soluble fiber acts like sponges, soaking up cholesterol and carrying it out of the body. The only other grain with equivalent cholesterol lowering ability is barley.
Rye is probably somewhat effective.
Also, the higher the LDL, the greater the effect. Besides grains, beta-glucan is commercially available from yeast and a water insoluble version is derived from microbiological fermentation. Upon reaching the neutral conditions in the small intestine, it forms a gel with the fat, which inhibits physical access to the fat by lipases. Soy, Oils and Sterols Soy protein can reduce cholesterol, particularly if it replaces animal protein. The Food and Drug Administration recently gave permission for health claims on products high in soy protein, indicating that these foods may help lower heart disease risk.