As a result, there is scientific research to back up the theory that oats and barley can help reduce levels of cholesterol, however, this depends greatly on the composition of the oats when they are consumed.
Alongside oats and barley, there are other foodstuffs which can help to lower cholesterol. However, should these fail, statins are often prescribed; these are medications which lower cholesterol by reducing how much of it is produced in the liver.
Statins are a medicine of great debate as they can cause a range of side effects and the health community is divided over their efficacy.
A recent study published earlier this month has added to that discourse and put forward a new position on the use of them in healthy people.