Locations:
Search IconSearch

How Much Oatmeal Do You Need to Eat to Lower Your Cholesterol?

The short answer from a dietitian

a bowl of oatmeal topped with fruit is good for lowering cholesterol

Oatmeal is a great option whether you make it simple or dress it up with fruit, seeds and nuts. But besides just being an Instagram-worthy bowl of goodness, oatmeal offers a particularly impressive benefit.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Eating just one and one-half cups of cooked oatmeal a day can lower your cholesterol by 5 to 8%.

Oatmeal contains soluble and insoluble fiber – two types that your body needs. Insoluble fiber, which is also found in the skins of many fruits, helps keep us regular. Soluble fiber, which is also found in beans, oranges and pears, helps prevent disease and lowers cholesterol.

Getting both types of fiber is a big win for your body. But there’s another benefit: fiber can also aid in weight loss because it helps you feel full and satisfied.

So go ahead and stock up on this versatile grain!

Andrea Dunn, RD, LD, CDE.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Hands holding pills/medications
November 26, 2025/Heart Health
How Statins Can Reduce Plaque Buildup

Medications known as statins can lower cholesterol levels to minimize the risk of blocked arteries

Person standing over table a food, holding small assorted bowl of nuts
November 20, 2025/Wellness
What Foods Should I Eat To Increase HDL Cholesterol?

Fatty fish, flaxseed, extra virgin olive oil and nuts may help raise your HDL number

Hand taking a grapefruit out of the fruit drawer in a fridge
September 8, 2025/Heart Health
Should You Avoid Grapefruit if You Take a Statin?

Grapefruit contains natural chemical compounds that can interfere with certain medications when it’s consumed in large amounts

Person checking medication information, sitting at kitchen table
April 30, 2025/Heart Health
Is My Statin To Blame for Muscle Pain?

Up to 30% of people who take the cholesterol-lowering medication feel aches and soreness

Orange capsules poured out of a bottle
January 17, 2025/Heart Health
Taking a Statin? Here’s Why You Don’t Need CoQ10 Supplements

There’s not enough evidence to show that this supplement has any effect on muscle aches from cholesterol-lowering meds

A server carries a platter full of nutritious foods
December 20, 2024/Nutrition
How Much Cholesterol Per Day Is Healthy?

There’s no limit on the amount you should have each day, but experts are focused on saturated fat

Person standing on scale in their bathroom, with measuring tape around waist
August 16, 2024/Heart Health
Do Statins Cause Weight Gain?

Statin use has been associated with weight gain but the reasons aren’t clear — and the benefits of statins far outweigh the risks

Oversized medical chart, glucose meter, pill bottle, with a normal-sized healthcare provider giving thumbs up
August 14, 2024/Heart Health
What’s the Connection Between Statins and Diabetes?

Some statins have been shown to slightly increase your risk of diabetes — but that shouldn’t keep you from taking the medication you need

Trending Topics

Person sitting on edge of bed, rubbing their lower leg
Don’t Ignore These 8 Blood Clot Warning Signs

Leg-related symptoms indicate DVT, while chest symptoms point to a pulmonary embolism

Couple walking in park with arms around each other
How Many Types of Love Are There?

There are many different ways to love someone and yourself

Person reclining on chair with head tilted down toward their phone, with pain in their neck
Tech Neck: A Modern-Day Pain

Looking down at your smartphone or computer screen can stress muscles in your neck, shoulders and back

Ad