Hormonal

The cholesterol-lowering effect of soluble dietary fibers via fermentation products (specifically propionate) is inconclusive and likely not the dominant mechanism, as in vivo animal studies often show no change in hepatic cholesterol synthesis despite blood cholesterol reduction.

Don't rely on fiber fermentation (gut health) to lower your cholesterol. Focus on viscous fibers that bind bile acids. The gut benefits of fiber are real, but for heart health, the physical property of viscosity matters more than fermentation.