A recent survey conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult finds that one in five U.S. adults is unaware that dietary choices directly affect blood cholesterol levels, according to a June 8 report. The survey follows updated cholesterol management guidance recommending earlier screening and establishing target goals for LDL "bad" cholesterol based on individual risk factors.
The poll, which included 2,200 U.S. adults surveyed May 26-27, 2026, revealed that among those aware of the connection between diet and cholesterol, 52% received information from healthcare providers, while 36% learned from friends or family and 34% from social media. When asked about the effects of specific foods on blood cholesterol levels, roughly half correctly identified beans, whole grains, and soy products as reducing risk. However, significant portions incorrectly believed chicken (36%), lean cuts of red meat (26%), and eggs (18%) also decrease the risk of developing high cholesterol.
The article reports that chicken raises cholesterol levels as much as red meat does. In a cited 2019 study examining low-saturated-fat diets with protein sources from red meat (beef and pork), white meat (chicken and turkey), or nonmeat sources (legumes, nuts, grains, soy products), both white and red meats were found to raise LDL cholesterol compared with plant-based proteins to about the same extent.
Eggs are described as being high in fat—much of it saturated—and loaded with approximately 200 milligrams of cholesterol each. An analysis published in JAMA found each additional daily intake of 300 milligrams dietary cholesterol was associated with a 17% increased risk for cardiovascular disease and an 18% increased mortality risk; consuming half an egg daily was linked to a respective increase in these risks by 6% and 8%.
Anna Herby, Registered Dietitian at Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, said, "The good news is that plant staples like beans, lentils, and soy milk can easily replace meat and dairy. They also taste delicious, and can cut grocery costs." Over half of respondents indicated willingness to try a plant-based diet if they had high cholesterol or wanted to reduce their risk.
The article cites multiple studies showing heart-health benefits from eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes. A recent study involving identical twins found those following a plant-based diet experienced lower LDL cholesterol levels within eight weeks compared to omnivorous twins; they also lost more weight.
