In a recent study, it has been revealed that instead of having statins to keep cholesterol levels down, Americans must introduce positive changes in their dietary regime to trim down LDL, or "bad," cholesterol levels.

Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the study has claimed that introducing health diet filled with cholesterol-lowering foods could reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 13%, and can subsequently reduce the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke by 10%.

Recommending Americans to adopt a rational diet regime, Dr. David Jenkins, a Professor of nutrition and metabolism at University of Toronto and lead author of the study, said small changes can improve one’s health.

Even the authors suggested a portfolio diet, including regular consumption of tree nuts and high amounts of fiber from oats, barley and vegetables, to address the concern.

It’s being believed that replacing unhealthy habits like gorging on red meat and dairy products with sources of healthy fats, such as nuts and soy products will definitely have greater benefits.

As the study had only a six-month follow-up, many experts are of the opinion that a longer follow-up period was necessary to understand the long-term effects of the portfolio diet.