Lower Cholesterol Naturally?

There are many herbal products that claim to reduce cholesterol. For a reality check on some of these go to:
http://cholesterol.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Alternative-treatments/Can-Supplements-Improve-Cholesterol-Levels-.htm. The news based on actual research findings is limited. Currently, I would bet on fish oil and a high fiber diet as the most effective natural options. Correlational studies, particularly when comparing Japan to other developed countries, suggest green tea may contribute to lowering cholesterol. The traditional Japanese diet, however, is overall much healthier than the average American diet, so the causal link to green tea and lower cholesterol is not apparent, though certainly suggestive of a positive relationship.

There currently seems to be no entirely side effect-free quick fixes. I lowered my cholesterol gradually by significantly increasing exercise and natural fiber into my diet (I make a super-healthy quick breakfast bread that is packed with generous quantities of wheat germ, wheat bran, and flaxseed meal), and reducing red meat consumption. Eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruits daily is, of course, an important part of any health regime.