The 48-hour diet that can lower cholesterol in a few weeks: What you need to know

Food/Diet

Express newspaper

11/03/2026 21:39

About one in two adults have high cholesterol levels, and many of them are unaware of the risks this condition poses to health.

A very simple and inexpensive method, recently introduced on a television show in Britain, has attracted attention after a scientific study found it can lower cholesterol within just 48 hours.

General practitioner Dr. Punam, also known from the BBC Morning Live show, explained that a very economical way – costing only about 8 pence per meal – can help reduce high cholesterol in a very short time.

What the study says

According to a study conducted by the University of Bonn, consuming about 300 grams of oatmeal (porridge) prepared with only water for two consecutive days can reduce LDL cholesterol, known as "bad cholesterol", by about 10%.

In addition, study participants also demonstrated:

a slight decrease in blood pressure

an average weight loss of about 2 kilograms

Dr. Punam explained that the effect is related to the high soluble fiber content in oats.

How does this method work?

Oats contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that:

is related to cholesterol in the intestine

prevents its absorption into the blood

Consuming about 70 grams of oats daily provides about 3 grams of beta-glucan, an amount that can lower LDL cholesterol by about 7%. Some studies compare this effect to that of some cholesterol medications, but without the side effects that medications can have.

Foods with “slow fiber”

The doctor emphasized that foods rich in so-called "slow fiber" are very beneficial for controlling cholesterol in the long term. This category includes:

oats

the beans

lenses

Including them regularly in a balanced diet can significantly help improve your cholesterol profile.

"The Silent Killer"

High cholesterol often has no symptoms, which is why it is often called the “silent killer.” Dr. Punam recommends that people over 40 get regular cholesterol checks, especially if they have:

family history of heart disease

other risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.

She also emphasized that there should be no stigma towards medical treatment: any measure – whether lifestyle changes or the use of medications – that reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease is an important investment in longevity and long-term health. /GazetaExpress/