When it comes to cholesterol, a new study says eating white meats, such as chicken and turkey, is no better than eating red meats.

White meats, however, continue to appear to be less likely to lead to development of cardiovascular disease than red meats, TV station WJW reports.

The study, conducted by the University of California-San Francisco, says dairy products, legumes and vegetables are better protein options for people who are watching their cholesterol levels.

So-called "bad" cholesterol can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

The study included more than 100 people who went through three separate diets: one with red meats, one with white meats and one with vegetables.

“If you have problems with cholesterol or if you have a family history of cholesterol or heart disease, then it is best to consume less of both red and white meats and instead substitute beans, lentils, higher protein grains like quinoa, and soy-based products like tofu and tempeh,” Maria Romo-Palafox, a registered dietitian at the University of Connecticut, told WJW.

“Finding by finding, we are confirming that a plant-based diet tends to have better health results and tends to have less [negative environmental] impact.”