Barley and LDL Levels

Oats aren’t the only cholesterol-lowering grain. Barley can bring down LDL and triglyceride levels just as effectively as oatmeal.
We have all seen the heart-healthy stamp on boxes of oatmeal. But oats aren’t the only superhero in the fight against cholesterol. Barley can also help take out “lousy” LDL and total cholesterol. That’s because both contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that hijacks cholesterol from the digestive tract and takes it out with the trash, so to speak.
One study even found that replacing rice with barley not only lowered cholesterol levels but decreased belly fat as well. Other cholesterol-lowering fibers include psyllium, found in Metamucil and other supplements, and pectin, found primarily in fruit — especially citrus.
For the best cholesterol-lowering results, include all types of fiber in a low-fat, heart-healthy diet.