Darren K. Orme

Metamucil may help lower LDL cholesterol when used regularly as part of a heart-healthy diet. It contains psyllium husk, a soluble fiber that can reduce cholesterol absorption in the gut and support better heart health over time. Metamucil does not replace cholesterol medicines, but it may be a helpful add-on for people with mildly elevated … Read more

Fasting may support healthier cholesterol levels in some people, but the results are usually modest. The effect depends on the fasting method, meal quality, weight changes, activity level, and existing health conditions. It should not be seen as a guaranteed cholesterol treatment. Research suggests that intermittent fasting may help reduce triglycerides and sometimes lower LDL … Read more

Coconut milk is not automatically bad for cholesterol, but it can become a concern when used often or in large amounts. The issue is not dietary cholesterol, because coconut milk comes from a plant and contains no cholesterol. The real concern is its saturated fat content, especially in full-fat canned coconut milk used for rich … Read more

The human brain is not made entirely of cholesterol, but it contains a large amount of it. Cholesterol is one of the key fats used to build and maintain brain cells. The brain also contains water, proteins, minerals, nerve cells, support cells, and other important fats, so it is better described as cholesterol-rich rather than … Read more

For most people, peanut butter is not bad for cholesterol when eaten in moderate amounts and when you choose a simple product without added hydrogenated oils, excess sugar, or too much salt. Peanut butter contains mostly unsaturated fats, which may fit into a heart-healthy diet. Peanut butter does not contain dietary cholesterol because it comes … Read more

VLDL cholesterol stands for very-low-density lipoprotein, a type of blood fat carrier made by the liver. VLDL mainly carries triglycerides through the bloodstream, and high VLDL cholesterol may increase the risk of artery plaque, heart disease, and stroke. VLDL is often called a type of “bad” cholesterol because it can contribute to fatty buildup in … Read more

The best way to increase HDL cholesterol is to exercise regularly, stop smoking, choose heart-healthy fats, eat more fiber-rich foods, manage weight, and control blood sugar and blood pressure. HDL cholesterol helps carry extra cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver. A healthy HDL level may support heart health, but it is … Read more