LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, several cholesterol-free foods may actually do their part to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. 

Participants in the study followed a diet that replaced many meat and dairy products with soy-based alternatives along with nuts and high fiber foods such as vegetables. The results were that those consuming such foods had a 13 percent decrease in their cholesterol levels. Additionally, people who kept a strict diet low in saturated fats experienced a 3 percent decrease. 

The finding concludes that people who wish to control cholesterol with diet and exercise can easily do so, without the need for medications. According to Dr. Jane Klauer, an internal specialist from New York, "The study highlighted the power of food to lower risk for cardiovascular disease: What you do eat and what you don't eat are both important."

What the study also suggests is that people can realize benefits with small changes in their diet.  For example, people who replaced saturated fats with nuts and soy products will do better than people who replace such products with carbohydrates.

The study now gives patients and doctors lifestyle-based alternatives to medication in cases where cholesterol is a concern.

In addition to soy products, the study also shows evidence that other foods, such as lean poultry and fish can also be a part of a low-cholesterol diet, so patients who do not prefer soy can still enjoy meat while lowering their cholesterol.

In all cases, patients are advised to include exercise as part of their routine and to evaluate lifestyle changes with a physician.

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