The review also suggested that barley had similar cholesterol-lowering effects as oats, which is often the go-to grain for health benefits.
"The findings are most important for populations at high risk for cardiovascular disease, such as Type 2 diabetics, who have normal levels of LDL cholesterol, but elevated levels of non-HDL or apo B," said Dr Vladimir Vuksan, research scientist and associate director of the Risk Factor Modification Centre of St. Michael's.
He continued: "Barley has a lowering effect on the total bad cholesterol in these high-risk individuals, but can also benefit people without high cholesterol."
Despite its benefits Dr Vuksan said barley is not as well-established as some other health-recommended foods, such as oats.
According to Vuksan, barley can be enjoyed in a variety of ways; he recommends trying to incorporate barley into existing recipes, using it as a substitute for rice or even on its own - just like oatmeal.
To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains a type of fat called saturated fat.
"You should avoid food containing saturated fats, because these will increase the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood," warns the NHS.
Foods high in saturated fat include:
"However, a balanced diet should still include unsaturated fats, which have been shown to increase levels of good cholesterol and help reduce any blockage in your arteries," notes the NHS.
Foods high in unsaturated fat include:
Many of these foods can be found in a Mediterranean-style diet, which is high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil.
It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods.
See more here:
The ingredient you can add to meals that significantly lowers two types of bad cholesterol - Express
