A top doctor has named and shamed the foods that cause dangerous levels of cholesterol to build up in your arteries, and leave you susceptible to heart problems and stroke.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Dr Charlotte Norton said lifestyle changes, including dietary considerations, can be key to preventing high-cholesterol.
Shining a light on eating and drinking habits, she said there are six "high cholesterol foods to avoid":
- Whole milk
- Butter
- Red meat
- Processed meat
- Fried foods
- Cheese
And these foods all have one thing in common - high levels of saturated fat, known to raise cholesterol levels.
"Saturated fats on a whole should be avoided," Dr Norton emphasises.
"With that being said, foods high in unsaturated fats – such as salmon, almonds, avocados and seeds – are actually known to have the opposite effect, by reducing cholesterol levels."
Dr Norton recommends switching coconut oil (high in saturated fat) to rapeseed oil (high in unsaturated fat).
Such a "small, achievable swap" will help to improve your health.
"As well as monitoring your fat consumption, it’s important to increase fibre intake," Dr Norton continues.
"Examples of great fibre-rich foods include beans, fruit, vegetables and whole grains."
What is high cholesterol?
Cholesterol a fatty substance found in the blood that the body needs to function properly. But too much of the waxy liver product can have serious implications for your health.
As well as an overconsumption of fatty foods, having high cholesterol can also be caused by a lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. It can run in families as well.
"As people age, their bodies tend to produce more cholesterol, so it is always wise to attend your health screenings," says Dr Norton.
If, however, you lead a particularly unhealthy lifestyle that has led to weight gain, Dr Norton recommends getting your cholesterol levels checked out.
"Being overweight can raise blood pressure, which is also heavily linked to high cholesterol," Dr Norton explains.
"In order to truly live a healthy lifestyle, it goes without saying that any unhealthy habits in your life should be avoided, such as smoking and drinking alcohol," Dr Norton adds.
"Smoking particularly is known to raise cholesterol but also lead to a string of other serious conditions.”
She added that: “losing weight and leading a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy,” but it can be the right thing to do to avoid problems down the line.
