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

13. Use Ground Mustard Seed in Dressings

Look beyond traditional herbs and spices and add ground mustard seed to your cooking. The fiber and specific compounds in mustard seed powerfully aid in bile acid binding. Since your liver uses cholesterol to manufacture bile, forcing the excretion of used bile acids compels the liver to draw more cholesterol from your bloodstream to replenish its supply. Simply whisk a quarter teaspoon of ground mustard seed into your vinaigrette or sprinkle it on roasted vegetables. This subtle, savory addition provides a unique biochemical pathway to lower circulating LDL effectively.

14. Snack on Dried Apricots or Figs

Switching your sweet snack to two or three dried apricots or figs offers a significant soluble fiber advantage over processed treats. These fruits are concentrated sources of pectin and other soluble fibers that bind LDL cholesterol in the gut. The benefit is twofold: you satisfy a sweet craving while simultaneously introducing heart-healthy fiber. Pairing them with a few nuts amplifies the effect by adding stabilizing protein and unsaturated fat. This intentional, minute-long swap transforms a potential indulgence into a powerful, two-in-one move for vascular and digestive health.