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

5. Do a Deep Breathing Reset

Chronic stress has a curious way of raising cholesterol, even when our diets are on the right track. The body’s stress hormones encourage cholesterol production, which is why managing stress—if only briefly—matters for your heart. The best news: research shows that as little as a single minute of mindful, deep breathing can bring your nervous system back into balance.

6. Pop Some Oats Into Your Morning Routine

If you’re searching for a breakfast habit that takes less than a minute yet packs lasting benefits, reach for oats. The powerhouse beta-glucan in oats acts like a sponge, soaking up and carrying away cholesterol before it settles where it shouldn’t. Eating even a small serving of oats, whether as instant oatmeal or as a sprinkle in yogurt, is linked to impressive improvements in LDL cholesterol levels.