High cholesterol: Nutritionist reveals top prevention tips
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Breakfast is often referred to as the “most important meal of the day” and when it comes to cholesterol, some foods could be the key to lowering your levels. High cholesterol impacts an estimated 39.65 percent of adults in the UK, according to data from Forth With Life.
However, high cholesterol can often go unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms. This is why it is referred to as a “silent killer”.
If left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to fatal conditions including a heightened risk of heart disease.
High cholesterol can occur for a number of reasons, but one of the leading factors according to the NHS is diet and lifestyle choices.
Certain foods can increase your risk of high levels of cholesterol, while others can help to reduce risk.
Here are three breakfast items that could help to reduce cholesterol levels as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Wholemeal toast
The NHS cites wholemeal bread as one of its healthier food options to help reduce cholesterol levels.
This is because it is high in dietary fibre.
According to the NHS: “Eating plenty of fibre helps lower your risk of heart disease, and some high-fibre foods can help lower your cholesterol.
DON’T MISS
How to sleep: The ‘4-7-8’ method to fall asleep within minutes [REPORT]
Diabetes type 2: The red drink that lowers blood sugar within minutes [INSIGHT]
Supplements for joints: Supplement that could ‘improve joint strength’ [REVEALED]
“Adults should aim for at least 30g of fibre a day.”
Whole-wheat and whole-grain bread is better for people with high cholesterol than white or processed bread.
Very Well Health recommended trying low-carbohydrate varieties of bread.
However, it added: “Make sure that you check out the fat and fibre content on the food nutrition label before you make your choice.”
Wholegrain cereals or bran
Once again, the fibre in wholegrain cereals and bran-based cereals are good for lowering cholesterol.
As a result, cereals of this nature are also recommended by the NHS.
However, it is important to check the nutritional information of cereal as some brands can be high in sugar, fat and salt.
An estimated five to 10 grams or more of soluble fibre a day can decrease your LDL cholesterol.
Wholegrain cereals or bran
Once again, the fibre in wholegrain cereals and bran-based cereals are good for lowering cholesterol.
As a result, cereals of this nature are also recommended by the NHS.
However, it is important to check the nutritional information of cereal as some brands can be high in sugar, fat and salt.
An estimated five to 10 grams or more of soluble fibre a day can decrease your LDL cholesterol.
One serving of breakfast cereal with oatmeal or oat bran provides approximately three to four grams of fibre, according to Mayo Clinic.
Oatmeal or whole oat-porridge
According to Healthline, a standard bowl of oatmeal contains around five grams of dietary fibre.
Soluble fibre is particularly good for lowering cholesterol because it attaches to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the digestive tract and helps to remove it from your body.
The NHS also recommended oats and barley among its beneficial foods for cholesterol.
Source: Read Full Article