Diet, exercise key to lowering cholesterol

Raedsch said it was also important to eat less sugar and simple carbohydrates found in many supposedly healthy processed foods and heavily sweetened yogurt. Consumption of animal fats—contained in sausage and dairy products, for example—should be reduced as well.

Raedsch pointed out, however, that blood cholesterol levels were driven less by diet than previously thought. Most of the cholesterol in the blood is produced by the body itself. Weight loss and exercise, along with healthy eating habits, help to lower blood-fat levels.

Proper lifestyle changes usually lower cholesterol in just a few weeks, allowing many people to do without medication.