A surprisingly simple dietary change-eating nearly nothing but oats for just two days-may significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels, according to a new study from the university of Bonn in Germany. The research, published in Nature Communications, offers a potential short-term intervention for managing cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk, notably for individuals with metabolic syndrome. Researchers found a 10% reduction in “bad” cholesterol persisted for up to six weeks after the oat-focused diet concluded.
A clinical trial conducted in Germany has revealed that following a very low-calorie diet consisting almost entirely of oats for just two days can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 10%, with effects lasting up to six weeks. This finding offers a potentially simple dietary intervention for managing cholesterol, a key factor in cardiovascular health.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Bonn, focused on individuals with metabolic syndrome.
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The research, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, analyzed participants with metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This disorder encompasses a combination of risk factors, including overweight, high blood pressure, and abnormalities in blood glucose and lipid levels.
During the trial, participants followed a low-calorie diet for two days, based almost exclusively on oats. Results showed a significant improvement in cholesterol levels compared to a control group that also reduced calories, but without including the grain. The benefit persisted even six weeks after the intervention ended.
Oats are low in sugar and rich in fiber, ideal for the heart and weight control. Photo:iStock
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300 grams of oats a day and measurable changes in health
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The study protocol stipulated that participants consume boiled oats with water three times a day, with the only allowance being the addition of fruits or vegetables. A total of 32 women and men completed the intervention. Each participant consumed 300 grams of oats daily for two consecutive days, reducing their caloric intake to approximately half their usual amount.
While both groups in the study showed benefits associated with calorie restriction, the effects were notably greater in those who consumed oats. “The level of LDL cholesterol, particularly harmful, was reduced by 10% in them; this is a substantial reduction, although not entirely comparable to the effect of modern medications,” explained a researcher. Participants also lost an average of two kilograms (approximately 4.4 pounds) and experienced a slight reduction in blood pressure.
Adjunct Professor Marie-Christine Simon, from the Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences at the University of Bonn, explained that the goal was to understand the metabolic impact of this type of diet. “We wanted to know how a special diet based on oats affects patients,” she said.
Participants reduced their daily caloric intake to about 50% of their usual normal intake. Photo:iStock
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The role of the gut microbiome
Researchers detected that the diet modified the composition of the gut microorganisms. According to Linda Klümpen, the study’s lead author, “We were able to identify that consuming oats increased the amount of certain intestinal bacteria.” These bacteria actively participate in food metabolism and generate byproducts that influence various bodily functions.
The study observed that some compounds produced by the bacteria enter the bloodstream and can influence cholesterol metabolism. “For example, we were able to demonstrate that intestinal bacteria produce phenolic compounds when breaking down oats,” Klümpen noted. “It has already been shown in animal studies that one of them, ferulic acid, has a positive effect on cholesterol metabolism. This also appears to be happening with some of the other bacterial metabolic products.”
Additionally, the study identified that other gut microorganisms reduce the presence of the amino acid histidine, which in the body can transform into a molecule associated with insulin resistance.
Oats modified the gut microbiome and the production of key metabolic compounds. Photo:iStock
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A high dose in a short time is better
Researchers concluded that the benefits were more evident with a high intake of oats concentrated in a short period and accompanied by calorie restriction. A parallel intervention, in which participants consumed 80 grams of oats daily for six weeks without other limitations, only produced slight improvements.
“A short-term oat-based diet, at regular intervals, could be a well-tolerated way to keep cholesterol levels within the normal range and prevent diabetes,” Simon said. As a next step, the scientists plan to evaluate whether repeating this intensive diet every six weeks can generate a sustained preventive effect in the long term.
Europa Press
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*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information published by Europa Press, and was reviewed by a journalist and an editor.
