Four foods that can 'obliterate' cause of silent killer affecting millions of Brits

Cholesterol can block blood vessels and cause heart problems and strokes but the NHS suggests changing your diet and doing more exercise to manage cholesterol levels

Yoghurts, mini shot-style drinks and fat spreads can help 'obliterate' high cholesterol and help prevent heart problems.

High cholesterol vastly increases your risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and strokes. Cardiovascular disease is the second biggest killer in England, affecting around 6.4 million people. Diet and exercise are paramount to cut levels. Plant sterols and stanols are particularly useful, as they block some cholesterol absorption from the gut.

Angie Jefferson, who is a freelance dietician, said: "You can do a number of things to help keep your cholesterol levels in check. Plant sterols and stanols are similar in size and shape to cholesterol and block some cholesterol absorption from your gut. Over time, this lowers the amount of cholesterol in your blood."

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Angie added: "There are tiny amounts in plant foods, but to get the effective dose of 3g/day you need to consume foods with added plant sterols and stanols. Examples can include "mini shot-style drinks, fat spreads or yoghurts" but, Angie cautioned, your body won't store plant sterols and stanols if you stop eating them.

Another tip from Angie is to embrace oats and barley, which contain a soluble, gel-forming fibre called beta-glucan. Angie told The Menopause Exchange that beta-glucan "hangs on to cholesterol and bile acids during digestion", which helps to reduce cholesterol.

She elaborated: "Oats, barley and foods made from these can help lower cholesterol, provided these contain at least 1g of beta-glucan per portion." To help obliterate high cholesterol, it would be helpful to eat nuts and soya.

Angie explained: "Research shows that nuts and soya foods, rich in protein and fibre, minerals and plant compounds, can help to support heart health."

Her recommendation is to only have a "small handful of nuts" or to "toast them and sprinkle over a salad or soup". Angie said: "Try experimenting with plant-based meals using soya mince, edamame beans or tofu to replace normal protein."

While dietary additions such as these will be extremely helpful in managing cholesterol levels, unhealthy eating habits can counteract the benefits.

To make sure you are reaping the rewards for eating the right foods, you must also cut down (or eliminate) the cholesterol-boosting foods. The NHS suggests cutting down on:

Exercise is also crucial in the management of cholesterol levels; everybody is recommended by the health body to get active for at least 150 minutes per week.

Serve the food you really want to eat by signing up for our tips and recipes and never be bored by your cooking again