Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) Practice Test

Increasing water-soluble fiber intake is the most effective dietary change for lowering high blood cholesterol levels. Water-soluble fiber, found in foods such as oats, barley, beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables, binds with cholesterol in the digestive system and helps to remove it from the body. This mechanism can lead to reduced cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.

Additionally, incorporating more water-soluble fiber into one’s diet can potentially promote a healthier gut microbiome and improve overall digestive health. The effects of water-soluble fiber on cholesterol levels are supported by numerous studies, which show that diets high in this type of fiber can lead to significant decreases in both total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol.

In contrast, taking more vitamins generally does not directly affect cholesterol levels, and products labeled "no cholesterol" can be misleading since they may still contain high saturated fat or trans fat, which may not contribute to lowering cholesterol effectively. Eating more egg yolks would actually be counterproductive, as egg yolks contain dietary cholesterol that can contribute to higher blood cholesterol levels in some individuals.