It's been reported that consuming foods that reduce cholesterol is better than avoiding fattening foods, as a six month examination on the effect of consuming foods that reduce cholesterol and the act of avoiding fattening foods revealed that the former was more effective.

Also, the two suggestions were tested on 345 individuals with increased cholesterol levels, though they were seen not to be at an increased cardiovascular disease risk.

However, in the study conducted by Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre in Toronto as well as funded by the Federal government, the participants on cholesterol reducing food such as proteins, nuts and others had their cholesterol reduced more, as compared to those that followed avoiding fattening foods.

Lower than half of them were able to maintain the low fat diet, as the researchers pointed out that reasonable amount of commitment was needed to majorly change diet, as keeping to diet was a significant obstacle.

Moreover, the British Heart Foundation stated: "people need to be aware that following this type of diet plan in the long-term takes commitment. Eating a few nuts or having the odd portion of soya beans won't make up for an otherwise poor diet".