'I'm a doctor - this is what I'd eat if I had high cholesterol'
RSVP Live • • health
Key Points:
- High cholesterol, caused by excess fatty substances in the bloodstream, raises the risk of serious health issues such as stroke, with common triggers including fatty foods, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol.
- GP Dr. Karan Rajan recommends four budget-friendly foods to help manage high cholesterol: berries, seeds, beans and lentils, and oats, each offering specific benefits like reducing cholesterol absorption and boosting its elimination.
- Berries are rich in polyphenols that act as antioxidants, helping to protect blood vessels and limit bad LDL cholesterol oxidation.
- Seeds provide healthy fats that reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption and liver fat synthesis, while beans and lentils contain fermentable fibers and plant proteins that promote LDL clearance.
- Oats contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that binds bile acids to increase cholesterol excretion and lower LDL levels, contributing to improved heart health and reduced inflammation.