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Experts say oatmeal is the best breakfast for high LDL cholesterol.This is because oatmeal contains beta-glucan, a soluble fiber proven to effectively reduce LDL cholesterol levels.For a balanced, complete meal, nutritionists recommend pairing oatmeal with protein sources like Greek yogurt, nuts, or cottage cheese.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re trying to pump up your protein or fiber intake, choosing a breakfast that helps you meet those goals is pretty simple. But if you\u2019re struggling with high cholesterol and you want to start the day with a meal that targets and helps you lower it, the answer is a little more complicated.<\/p>\n
High cholesterol isn\u2019t caused by a single thing; it comes from a variety of factors<\/a>, including stress, activity levels, sleep, and overall dietary patterns. That said, if you\u2019re looking for a breakfast that sets you up for success, experts say oatmeal is one of the best options.<\/p>\n To learn more and get specifics on what to eat and why, we consulted registered dietitian and author Jessica Cording<\/a> as well as Marissa Karp, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of MPM Nutrition<\/a>. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n The Best Breakfast For High Cholesterol<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a breakfast to support healthy cholesterol, both nutritionists agree that oatmeal is one of the best choices. Oats are high in beta-glucan, which Cording says is \u201ca type of soluble fiber\u201d that helps \u201creduce LDL (or bad) cholesterol levels.\u201d<\/p>\n Add Delish as a preferred source in your Google search results.<\/p>\n Use your Google account to add this to your settings.<\/p>\n Add to Google settings<\/p>\n Karp agrees, adding that she especially recommends throwing in some chia seeds as an extra bonus, since they contain \u201ceven more fiber that will help lower cholesterol.\u201d But for both of the nutritionists, this is just the starting point.<\/p>\n Make It A Meal<\/p>\n Oatmeal is mostly carbohydrates, and as beneficial as it might be for cholesterol, it\u2019s not the healthiest breakfast on its own. \u201cPairing (the oats) with healthy protein sources is key for satiety,\u201d Karp shares, and Cording agrees, recommending a \u201cbalanced meal\u201d that also includes \u201cprotein and healthy fat.\u201d<\/p>\n The best way to do this is to think of oatmeal as the meal’s base, a solid starting point to build from. Cording recommends topping it with nuts or nut butter to add healthy fat and some protein, and for an even bigger protein bump, stirring in a scoop of protein powder or a dollop of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. If you don\u2019t like a sweet breakfast, she suggests making a savory oatmeal bowl with sliced avocado and your protein of choice.<\/p>\n But What If I Hate Oatmeal?<\/p>\n Don\u2019t panic. Oats aren\u2019t the only breakfast food that can help you lower or maintain low cholesterol. Fruits and vegetables high in soluble fiber also help manage cholesterol, so a bowl of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with lots of berries or banana is a great way to start the day. It might not provide the cholesterol-reducing beta-glucan, but remember: Your cholesterol reflects all the dietary (and exercise!) choices you make throughout the day. In the end, your overall diet pattern matters most.<\/p>\n More On Health & Nutrition<\/p>\n![\"Google\"](\"https:\/\/www.delish.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/google.1467f37.svg\")
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