Oatmeal’s claim to fame as a heart-healthy food holds up stronger than ever in a new scientific review of the most current research on this versatile grain.

The review, done by James Anderson, M.D., who introduced us to oat bran in the 1980s, confirms that oats are effective in lowering LDL cholesterol. Anderson says oats may curb small LDL cholesterol particles, which may be riskier for heart disease than bigger LDL particles. The soluble fiber in oats binds with cholesterol in the intestines, limiting its absorption.

Eating oats regularly can also:

•    Curb inflammation. Phenolic compounds unique to oats, called avenanthramides, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help stop prevent damage to the cells lining blood vessels.  Small doses over time may have benefits.

•    Reduce the risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and weight gain. Compared to many other carbohydrates, oats move slowly through the digestive tract, promoting fullness and stabilizing blood sugar and insulin levels.

•    Reduce LDL cholesterol even further when combined with weight loss. Weight loss usually causes some LDL reduction; but weight loss combined with eating oats produces even better results.  (Andon, MB & Anderson, JW. Am J Lifestyle Medicine, 2008; 2(1)51-6.)

This good news about oats is just one more reason to use lifestyle changes to reduce your risk for heart disease—rather than turning to cholesterol-lowering drugs with their potentially harmful side effects, or, even, false claims of benefits.

We’re particularly disturbed by the recent finding that two drug companies, Merck and Schering-Plough, failed to disclose negative information about the drug Zetia (also found in Vytorin). The companies’ assumption was that this cholesterol-lowering drug would reduce the growth of fatty plaques—a risk for heart disease and stroke. In fact, the study found that people taking the drug had twice the rate of plaque growth compared to people taking a statin drug, Zocor. That information was not released for more than a year, while millions relied on their product thinking they were protected.

Even the narrow focus on cholesterol-lowering is short-sighted. Heart disease develops due to combination of things, not just high cholesterol. And that’s why, even if you do take a cholesterol-lowering drug, you shouldn’t ignore diet and exercise, which do more than lower cholesterol. Diet and exercise also reduce inflammation, which lowers your risk for harmful clots; reduce blood pressure; stabilize blood sugar and help your weight loss efforts. And if that’s not enough, they also reduce your risk for stroke and cancer!

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Make a daily serving of oats part of your heart-healthy lifestyle package. And don’t forget there’s a lot more to it than lowering cholesterol.

QUICK TIP: Jean Carper is a whole grain junkie. Make whole grains a daily habit! Learn More

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Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.