I had very high cholesterol, due to familial hypercholesterolemia, and living on just salad for weeks did nothing for the levels. Statins have worked wonders in bringing the levels down but I also take
Ezetimibe which slows absorption of fats through the gut lining. Now I can basically eat what I want and my cholesterol levels are always within the range required.
Cholesterol in the blood is not the cause of disease, it's like a side effect from the initial problem.