Cholesterol-Fighting Tricks That Take Less Than 60 Seconds a Day

23. Rinse Canned Beans to Maximize Soluble Fiber

When using canned beans (e.g., kidney, black, or cannellini), take an extra 15 seconds to thoroughly rinse them before adding them to your meal. This simple step washes away up to 40% of the added sodium, which is crucial for managing blood pressure (a major cholesterol co-factor). More importantly, the act of rinsing maximizes the bioavailability of the bean's soluble fiber, ensuring that the cholesterol-binding compounds are ready to work immediately in your digestive tract. This quick, conscious habit turns a convenient canned food into a more efficient, dual-action ally for heart health.

24. Use Chopped Garlic in Olive Oil (Enzyme Activator)

Dedicate one minute to prepping a small jar of finely chopped garlic stored in extra virgin olive oil. Making it a daily habit to use this mix in dressings or on toast delivers a powerful combination. Garlic contains sulfur compounds (like allicin) that help inhibit the enzymes involved in liver cholesterol production. Paired with olive oil's monounsaturated fats, this mixture provides both a production-reducing effect and an absorption-improving one. This easy prep hack ensures you get concentrated, freshly activated cholesterol-modulating compounds daily.