Probiotics vs. prebiotics Both are necessary for good gut health, but we rarely talk the difference. Probiotics are foods that contain live bacteria, like yogurt. Prebiotics are bacteria that act as food for probiotics. Mushrooms are a known prebiotic with a good track record of keeping cholesterol levels low in quite a few studies. Regulators: Low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol) leads to fatty acid buildup in the arteries, while high-density lipoprotein (“good cholesterol) helps remove bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. Our gut bacteria works to break down cholesterol, influence its creation, and convert that cholesterol into a less absorbable form. Mushroom magic: Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, maitake, lion’s mane, and shiitake contain unique compounds that act as prebiotics. Eating mushrooms regularly can help prevent dysbiosis — an imbalance in the gut microbiota linked to high cholesterol. All that and then some: Mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants, triglycerides, phenolics, and anti-inflammatory agents, which lower cholesterol levels and help prevent heart disease. These compounds stop the intestine from absorbing as much cholesterol, which is then excreted. Read more here.