How does oatmeal help to lower cholesterol levels?

Oatmeal helps to lower cholesterol levels primarily by binding with bile acids in the digestive system. When you consume oatmeal, the soluble fiber it contains, particularly beta-glucan, forms a gel-like substance in the gut. This gel can bind with bile acids, which are made from cholesterol.

As a result, the cholesterol that would typically be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream is instead excreted from the body. The liver then compensates for the loss of bile acids by pulling more cholesterol from the bloodstream to create new bile acids, thereby effectively lowering the cholesterol levels in the blood.

This mechanism highlights the importance of soluble fiber in dietary sources like oatmeal, not only as a means to improve digestive health but also as a proactive measure in managing cholesterol levels and supporting cardiovascular health. The specific process of binding bile acids makes option B the correct choice, as it directly addresses how oatmeal contributes to lowering cholesterol through its fiber content and its interaction with bile acids.