Which nutrient can decrease blood cholesterol levels?

Which nutrient can decrease blood cholesterol levels?

• A. Insoluble dietary fiber
• B. Saturated fat
• C. Cholesterol
• D. Protein

Answer: (A)

Fiber can lower blood cholesterol by changing how cholesterol is processed in the gut. When soluble fiber is consumed, it dissolves in the digestive tract and forms a gel that binds bile acids. Bile acids are made from cholesterol, so when they are bound and excreted, the liver needs to use more cholesterol to make new bile acids, which lowers the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood, especially LDL. This cholesterol-lowering effect is strongest with soluble fiber found in foods like oats, beans, fruits, and some vegetables. Insoluble fiber mainly supports digestive health and weight management, which can contribute to heart health, but its direct impact on lowering cholesterol is less pronounced. The other options don’t directly lower cholesterol: saturated fat can raise blood cholesterol; dietary cholesterol has a smaller effect; protein doesn’t have a primary cholesterol-lowering action.

Fiber can lower blood cholesterol by changing how cholesterol is processed in the gut. When soluble fiber is consumed, it dissolves in the digestive tract and forms a gel that binds bile acids. Bile acids are made from cholesterol, so when they are bound and excreted, the liver needs to use more cholesterol to make new bile acids, which lowers the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood, especially LDL. This cholesterol-lowering effect is strongest with soluble fiber found in foods like oats, beans, fruits, and some vegetables. Insoluble fiber mainly supports digestive health and weight management, which can contribute to heart health, but its direct impact on lowering cholesterol is less pronounced. The other options don’t directly lower cholesterol: saturated fat can raise blood cholesterol; dietary cholesterol has a smaller effect; protein doesn’t have a primary cholesterol-lowering action.