While it is rich in polyunsaturated fat, fish does contain cholesterol. Blood cholesterol levels can be lowered by a number of dietary factors. Following a vegetarian diet normally results in a significantly lower blood cholesterol level, since the vegetarian diet contains many of the protective factors. Not all brans were created equal. Rice bran and oat bran are both effective for lowering cholesterol levels while wheat bran has no effect.
Rice bran has a naturally sweet flavor and can be used in many more ways than oat bran.
Many studies have confirmed that the regular use of beans, lentils, barley, carrots or garlic can significantly lower blood cholesterol levels. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published last year the third edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The beta-carotene is thought to hinder the formation of oxidized cholesterol carried by the LDL particle. It is the oxidized cholesterol which especially damages the blood vessel walls. The recent alar scare unfortunately caused many people to reduce their use of apples.