Eating oats for just a short period of time could have a profound impact on cholesterol levels, according to a recent study.

Researchers from the University of Bonn in Germany conducted a trial where adults consumed a calorie-reduced diet of almost exclusively oatmeal for two days.

All participants suffered from a metabolic syndrome associated with a risk of diabetes, including a combination of high body weight, high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose or elevated blood lipid levels, per a university press release.

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The 32 participants ate oatmeal, previously boiled in water, three times a day, for a total of 300 grams. They were only permitted to add fruits or vegetables to their meals and consumed around half of their normal caloric intake.

A control group was put on a calorie-reduced diet that did not include oats. Although both groups benefited, the cholesterol levels of those on the oat diet “improved significantly.” After six weeks, this effect “remained stable.”

A new study found that eating oats for two days reduced bad cholesterol. (iStock)

Study author Marie-Christine Simon, junior professor at the Institute of Nutritional and Food Science at the University of Bonn, shared in a statement that the level of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol among the oatmeal-eating group was reduced by 10%.

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“That is a substantial reduction, although not entirely comparable to the effect of modern medications,” Simon said. “They also lost two kilos in weight on average, and their blood pressure fell slightly.”

The authors concluded that the diet influenced microorganisms in the gut, leading to the positive reaction. The results were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Oats significantly reduced cholesterol levels, although not as much as modern medicine. (iStock)

Simon concluded that a short-term oat-based diet at regular intervals “could be a well-tolerated way to keep the cholesterol level within the normal range and prevent diabetes.”

“As a next step, it can now be clarified whether an intensive oat-based diet repeated every six weeks actually has a permanently preventative effect,” she said.

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Certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco, who was not involved in the study, said the findings “make sense,” as oats have been known to potentially lower LDL cholesterol.

Oats contain prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. When those bacteria ferment the fiber, they produce compounds that support digestive health, according to the expert.

“The more beneficial gut bacteria you have in your stomach, in your environment, the more that can reduce or inhibit the production of LDL bad cholesterol,” New York-based DeCicco told Fox News Digital.

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Oats are also a whole grain that is naturally low in saturated fat and rich in fiber, and provides a good amount of plant-based protein.

“All those things are good for a heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering diet,” DeCicco noted.

Oats are a whole grain that is naturally low in saturated fat and rich in fiber, and provides a good amount of plant-based protein, all of which are good for heart health. (iStock)

DeCicco did warn that those who are diabetic, or pre-diabetic, should “be careful” when eating oats.

“While oats can lower cholesterol, they are an overly high-carbohydrate food,” she said. “A recommendation for anyone who’s watching their blood sugar, and especially who’s diabetic, is to eat foods that are lower in starch and higher in protein and fiber, [and to get] their carbohydrates more from vegetables and nuts.”

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Megan Wroe, registered dietitian at the Wellness Center at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Orange County, California, agreed that oat consumption “does seem to lower cholesterol levels for all studied populations, with the greatest impact shown in those with elevated levels.”

“There are no significant risks, but some people may experience cramping or indigestion if they have not previously eaten much fiber and suddenly start eating oats every day,” Wroe, who also was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. “Also, those requiring a gluten-free diet will want to ensure that the oats they eat are certified gluten-free.”

The nutritionist also shared the concern that oatmeal is commonly made with water or milk and eaten with added sugar and fruit, which makes it a “potentially very high-glycemic meal.”

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“Knowing this, my recommendation is to eat oats as often as you like, choosing steel-cut or rolled oats, using fruit for sweetness, or a low-glycemic sweetener if needed, such as monk fruit,” she advised.

Wroe also suggests finding a way to add protein to balance out the carbohydrates. “This can be done by adding chia or flax seeds to the oats, mixing in protein powder or topping with Greek yogurt to serve,” she said.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, commented Tuesday on the situation with CBS and Stephen Colbert‘s show not airing the late-night host’s interview with James Talarico, her opponent in the Texas Democratic Senate primary.

MS NOW host Jen Paski asked Crockett to respond to CBS’ statement on the controversy, which named the Texas lawmaker. The network denied that it prohibited Colbert from airing the interview, adding that the show was provided with “legal guidance” that it could trigger the equal time rule for Crockett and the other candidate in the race, Ahmad Hassan. 

“We actually received a phone call, and that was a little bit earlier today, and in that call, they explained that they actually told CBS that they could go ahead and move forward with the interview of James Talarico, they just needed to offer me equal time,” Crockett said. “I did not get a request from the Colbert show to go on.”

“As you know, I’ve been on Colbert multiple times, and frankly, if we would have gotten an offer, that would have been great,” she continued. “But, we’re in the middle of early voting, so I’m kind of focused on being in Texas at this moment. And, you know, I don’t know what to believe, that’s for sure. But I got that phone call as I was out talking to voters.”

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“I will tell you that I have no love for Bari Weiss, I have no love for Brendan Carr whatsoever. But I do think that, as you also mentioned — Kimmel — it is important that we resist in this moment,” Crockett said.

The Talarico interview was ultimately posted on YouTube and not aired on CBS, which Crockett agreed with. 

“And so there were a number of options that could be put on the table and frankly, you know, ‘The Late Show’ decided that this was the option and I think that it was a good strategy,” she said. 

The lawmaker even suggested that the controversy probably helped Talarico’s campaign. 

“I think it probably gave my opponent the boost he was looking for. So I think it’s probably better that he didn’t get on, and that they went straight to streaming because we know that when we resist, and when we know that it seems like they’re trying to change the rules and bend the knee to this president, that it backfires in historic fashion,” she said.

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Crockett told The Hill earlier in the day that the federal government did not shut down the interview.

“We did receive information suggesting that the federal government did not shut down this segment, number one, that is my understanding, that the federal government didn’t shut this down. And we will do an official statement once we get another official statement that we anticipate is going to be coming from Paramount, alright, so we will read what they say, we will go from there,” she said.

Crockett said Colbert or CBS decided not to air the interview because of a “fear” that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was going to object, “and that there may have been advice to just have me on, and they can clear the issue.”

“It is my understanding that someone, somewhere decided we just don’t want to do that,” she said before clarifying that she had no “love” for the current FCC, but said there were layers to the story.

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Texas State Rep. James Talarico, D-Travis, and Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, shake hands. (Bob Daemmrich/Getty Images)

Talarico blamed the situation on President Donald Trump and the FCC in a post to X.

“This is the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see. His FCC refused to air my interview with Stephen Colbert. Trump is worried we’re about to flip Texas,” he wrote.

Fox News Digital reached out to the FCC for comment but did not immediately hear back. 

Talarico’s team also revealed on X on Wednesday that his team raised $2.5 million after “the FCC banned our Colbert interview.”

Colbert slammed CBS’ denial that it prohibited him from airing the interview during his Tuesday show, and said he “obeyed” his bosses.

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“So, we obeyed our network and put the interview on YouTube, where it’s gotten millions of views. And I can see why. Talarico’s an interesting guy. I don’t know if he should be the senator, but it was a good discussion. I wish we could have put it on the show, where no one would have watched it,” he said.

Vinicius Junior had every right to want to leave the pitch – and for the game to be abandoned.

Because while he is a superstar of the game, well used to the biggest Champions League occasions, being the target of racism cannot be excused as coming with football’s tribalism.

This was reporting being racially abused at work. Just after adding another wondrous strike to his collection of goals.

The accused – Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni – has every right to a thorough process if he persists with denials.

And the UEFA case has to be watertight before imposing the minimum 10-game ban for racism.

But Benfica have gone beyond defending their man with statements, showing no empathy with a player who has been singled out for hate because he is black too often in his career.

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‘Another match that has shamed football’

There has been no acknowledgement of how difficult it is to take a stand and report abuse, halting a match being watched worldwide by millions.

There has been no recognition of the anguish Vinicius will be feeling, even if, as a club, you do not believe he was called a monkey by Prestianni on Tuesday night in Lisbon – five times, according to his Real teammate Kylian Mbappe.

You can recognise that personal pain as a club without admitting wrongdoing.

For all the courage and dignity demonstrated by Vinicius – praised by his Brazilian FA bosses – there was only deflection and no compassion from Jose Mourinho and Benfica.

They only complained about facing a “defamation campaign”, and appropriated the memory and legacy of Eusebio and the black superstar’s legendary career with them in the 1960s and 70s as evidence that the club cannot be racist. That overlooked the racism Eusebio endured.

How does Benfica reaffirming their “historical and unwavering commitment to defending the values of equality, respect, and inclusion” align with victim blaming?

Mourinho suggested Vinicius incited the crowd with his goal celebration.

And yet if there is anyone in football known for goading, overexuberant celebrations, it is Mourinho himself on the touchlines.

UEFA has avoided saying anything beyond the appointment of an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate.

But FIFA President Gianni Infantino did speak out in a statement naming Vinicius, showing “full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination” and saying: “We need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account.”

But that did not happen when another Real Madrid player, Antonio Rudiger, reported being racially abused last year.

It was in the Club World Cup – a tournament run by FIFA. An investigation was launched, but no one was held to account.

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So, when the world asks why racism is still a stain on the game, why black players fear being abused in stadiums and online, the words and actions of those with status and power come under greater scrutiny.

And at the heart of it is Vinicius feeling he isn’t being protected enough by football, and could have to face the alleged perpetrator next week in the second leg in Madrid.

A New Jersey Catholic diocese has agreed to pay $180 million to settle clergy sexual abuse claims involving hundreds of survivors, closing a long and contentious chapter in New Jersey’s reckoning with church abuse.

Bishop Joseph Williams, who serves the Diocese of Camden, announced the agreement in a letter on Tuesday, calling it a long-overdue step for survivors.

“For the survivors of South Jersey, this day is long overdue,” Williams wrote. “It represents a milestone in their journey toward restored justice and the healing and recognition they have long sought and deserve.”

The diocese, which serves six counties in southern New Jersey outside Philadelphia, said about 300 survivors brought claims.

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The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is seen in Camden, N.J., April 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Attorney Greg Gianforcaro, who represents victims in the case, credited survivors’ persistence in reaching the agreement after years of litigation.

“It’s been an extremely long and arduous battle,” he said, according to The Associated Press.

Bishop Joseph Williams, who serves the Diocese of Camden, said the settlement was long overdue for the roughly 300 survivors. (iStock)

The $180 million figure surpasses earlier settlements in Boston and Philadelphia, which were around $80 million, but remains smaller than the $880 million agreement reached in 2024 by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

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The Camden diocese filed for bankruptcy after New Jersey relaxed its statute of limitations, triggering a wave of lawsuits. In 2022, the diocese agreed to pay $87.5 million in a previous settlement involving roughly 300 accusers. Victims’ attorneys said the newly announced $180 million total includes those earlier funds.

The $180 million settlement surpasses earlier settlements in Boston and Philadelphia but remains smaller than the $880M deal by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. (iStock)

The agreement must still receive approval from a bankruptcy court.

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The settlement comes as New Jersey’s Supreme Court has cleared the way for a long-delayed state grand jury investigation into decades of alleged abuse by clergy to move forward.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Last Updated:February 19, 2026, 00:30 IST

Australia Cricket Team Olympic qualification: Australia Cricket Team’s exit from the first round of T20 World Cup 2026 can prove to be a big setback in the Olympics. The team may have to pay the price by staying out of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

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A Britain’s Got Talent dancer found dead at home had been arrested over a child sex offence just days earlier, an inquest has heard.

Warning: This story contains descriptions some readers may find distressing, including references to suicide.

Kerri-Anne Donaldson’s body was discovered in Farnborough, Hampshire, on 7 June 2023 – the day after she was discharged from hospital.

The 38-year-old had been taken into custody and questioned at a police station on suspicion of “child sex offending” three days before her death, the hearing was told.

Ms Donaldson, who reached the semi-final of the TV talent show in 2014 as part of dance group Kings and Queens, was arrested on 4 June 2023 about the alleged sex offence, which she denied.

After going missing and being found at a hotel in Woking, Surrey, she was taken to nearby St Peter’s Hospital, having taken an overdose.

But she was discharged on 6 June, then Ms Donaldson was found dead at her home the following morning, Winchester coroner’s court heard.

At an inquest into her death, the coroner heard Ms Donaldson told the alleged victim she would take her own life “if someone finds out” about the allegation made to police.

Detective Constable Benjamin Harris, of Hampshire Constabulary, said he considered the possibility Ms Donaldson’s reported comments could be a “form of control” against her accuser.

He said: “In my experience in some offences it can often be said without wanting to carry it out.”

After being taken to hospital following her arrest and deemed a “high and imminent risk of suicide”, she was later ruled suitable for release as she had “settled”, allowing her to be discharged.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Martin Williams, who was one of three mental health workers who carried out an assessment of Ms Donaldson before her release, told the inquest she was suffering from an “acute adjustment reaction” to her arrest.

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A psychiatric nurse rated her risk at level 10 out of 10 on 5 June, but the next day she was assessed as having changed her position from the previous evening and was released.

Dr Williams said: “I was able to form a snapshot of the risk she was posing at that point, she expressed clearly that she didn’t have plans to carry out acts that could lead to her death.

“It struck me how warm and personable Kerri-Anne was, it struck me she was open, she was receptive, she was showing emotions appropriate of what she was facing.”

Dr Williams added: “We considered the possibility she was masking a higher level of risk than she was saying, but all the indications were that she was settling and the risk was markedly reduced from the previous day.”

Dr Williams said hospital staff were told the nature of the allegation by either police or Ms Donaldson, but she told him she no longer believed she was “definitely going to go to prison”.

He said: “She had shifted from a position of quite stressed and downbeat about the police involvement to where she felt much more confident.”

Dr Williams said Ms Donaldson said she “wanted to take her own legal advice and wanted to fight the case”.

He added: “She believed she had a good case in putting together a defence to whatever the arrest was for, she believed she had a good case.

“She expressed a view on the day of the assessment, she was no longer so worried about going to prison.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah McConnell, of Hampshire Constabulary, said the officer who carried out an enhanced risk assessment of Ms Donaldson while she was in hospital acted “appropriately” by not revealing to the medical team what she had been arrested for.

No further details about the nature of the allegation, other than it was over “child sex offending,” were heard during the inquest.

The hearing continues.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK