Evidence supporting the use of: Cereal (unspecified)
For the health condition: Cholesterol (low)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Cereal grains, particularly whole grains such as oats and barley, have been shown in scientific studies to help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. This effect is primarily attributed to the soluble fiber content, especially beta-glucan, which binds to cholesterol in the digestive system and helps remove it from the body. Numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses, including those published in reputable journals like the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and The Lancet, support the cholesterol-lowering effect of whole grain cereals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved health claims for certain whole grain products regarding their role in reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.

However, the evidence specifically refers to certain types of cereals (primarily oat and barley-based products). The use of "cereal (unspecified)" is less precise, as many processed breakfast cereals are low in fiber and high in sugar, providing little to no benefit for cholesterol management. Therefore, while scientific support exists for specific whole grain cereals, the evidence for "unspecified cereal" is moderate, as the beneficial effect depends on the type and processing of the cereal. The overall rating is 3 to reflect that while the connection is scientifically validated for some cereals, it is not universally applicable to all products labeled as "cereal."

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Products containing Cereal (unspecified)

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