Have you had difficulty lowering your cholesterol, even though you maintain a diet low in saturated fats and enriched with fruits, vegetables and vitamin supplements? A new study suggests that it may not be the dietary supplements, but instead the low-fat regimen, that is to blame.

Research appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association advised that, rather than (or in addition to) reducing one’s saturated fat intake, individuals with a high blood-lipid profile may consider eating more cholesterol-busting foods, like nuts, soy and plant sterols.

Scientists from the University of Toronto stated that such ingredients are known to prevent increases in blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a form of cholesterol known to stick in arteries and contribute to heart disease.

The team emphasized that avoiding saturated fats is important, but that doing so does not guarantee the kind of dips in cholesterol associated with LDL-lowering foods.

“This study indicated the potential value of using recognized cholesterol-lowering foods in combination. We believe this approach has clinical application. A meaningful 13 percent LDL-C reduction can be obtained after only [two] clinic visits of approximately 60-and 40-minute sessions,” the authors concluded.