Which component of diet is associated with lowering cholesterol levels?

Dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, is well recognized for its role in lowering cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber can bind to cholesterol in the digestive system and help remove it from the body. This process not only reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed into the bloodstream but also encourages the liver to use existing cholesterol to produce bile acids, which further contributes to lower cholesterol levels. Foods rich in soluble fiber include oats, beans, lentils, fruits like apples and citrus, and vegetables.

In the context of dietary components, while proteins, sugars, and fats play various roles in nutrition and health, they do not have the same direct effect on cholesterol levels as fiber does. Therefore, incorporating foods high in soluble fiber into the diet is a practical approach to managing cholesterol levels and promoting heart health.