Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. As shown in landmark epidemiological studies, unhealthy lifestyles (smoking, lack of exercise and bad dietary habits) contribute nearly 80% of population-attributable CHD risks [1,2]. Hence, lifestyle modification is the cornerstone of population-based strategies for CHD prevention. An abnormal lipid profile, particularly high LDL-cholesterol levels, is a critical contributor to the CHD burden that can be significantly influenced by dietary changes [3]. As first recognized more than 50 years ago, dietary fatty acids are major determinants of plasma cholesterol concentrations [4]. Since then, a wealth of epidemiologic studies have assessed associations between dietary exposures and CHD [5], while many clinical trials have shown the impact of dietary changes on cardiovascular risk factors, including hypercholesterolemia [6]. Strong evidence supports the notion that a cardioprotective dietary pattern is high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains and lean protein sources such as white meats, fish and low-fat dairy products, while being low in saturated and trans-fatty acids, and foods with a high glycemic index. This concept fits both the traditional Mediterranean diet and so-called ‘prudent’ dietary patterns, as opposed to harmful ‘western’ diets [5,7]. Adherence to a healthy dietary pattern has long been recommended as the first line of treatment to decrease LDL-cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with hypercholesterolemia [3]. For the dietary management of hypercholesterolemia, it is important to note that some natural foods possess cholesterol-lowering properties by themselves, independently of the background