Diet directly influences blood cholesterol levels. trans fats and saturated fats have the greatest effect on LDL-C, so replacing foods rich in these nutrients with foods rich in polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat, and to a lesser extent whole-grain carbohydrates (especially ones rich in soluble fiber), reduces LDL-C.[1]
Plant-based dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean diet, Portfolio diet, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, can reliably improve LDL-C.[2]