A simple way to lower "bad" cholesterol in the blood has been named

Just 600 milliliters of oat milk per day can noticeably reduce levels of total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol in the blood. This was demonstrated by a study conducted by scientists from the University of Bergen, the results of which were published in the journal Nutrition Journal (NutriJ).

In recent years, oat milk has become one of the most popular plant-based alternatives to cow's milk. But here's the paradox: despite growing demand, there has been very little scientific data on how its regular consumption affects blood lipid levels — one of the key risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

To fill this gap, Norwegian researchers conducted a four-week experiment involving 32 women aged 18 to 40. The participants were divided into two groups: the first drank 600 milliliters of oat milk daily, while the second consumed the same amount of skimmed cow's milk.

Before and after the experiment, all participants underwent a comprehensive examination: the scientists measured body parameters, conducted a detailed analysis of their 24-hour dietary intake, and took blood samples to assess their lipid profiles.

The results turned out to be quite striking. After four weeks, women in the "oat" group showed a noticeable decrease in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels — the very type commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Those who drank cow's milk, however, showed no such effect.

At the same time, levels of "good" cholesterol — high-density lipoproteins (HDL) — and triglyceride concentrations remained virtually unchanged in both groups.

The scientists attribute the observed effect to the specific composition of oat milk. It is rich in beta-glucans — soluble dietary fibers that can lower cholesterol levels by influencing its absorption and metabolism in the body.

According to the study's authors, the findings suggest that replacing cow's milk with oat milk could be a simple and accessible way to improve one's lipid profile — at least in healthy young women. At the same time, the researchers emphasize that larger-scale studies involving different population groups are needed to definitively confirm this effect.