Many people only think about their cholesterol when a blood test reveals a problem. Until then, heart health often feels like something to worry about later.
Yet some of the most important choices for your cardiovascular system are made every day, often at the breakfast table. According to experts from the British Heart Foundation, certain foods may play a surprisingly helpful role in managing cholesterol levels, reports Doctissimo.
A closer look
British cardiologists have highlighted two foods that stand out when it comes to supporting healthier cholesterol levels. While they are not a replacement for prescribed medication, research suggests they can contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because of its link to heart disease and stroke.
The foods are:
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• Oats and oat-based products
• Foods enriched with plant sterols and stanols
Both work differently inside the body but share the same goal: reducing the amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.
How they work
Oats contain beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that helps remove cholesterol-rich bile acids from the digestive system. To replace those bile acids, the liver draws more cholesterol from the blood.
Plant sterols and stanols act in another way. Because their structure resembles cholesterol, they can reduce the amount absorbed by the body during digestion. As a result, less cholesterol enters the bloodstream.
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Not a replacement
Experts stress that these foods should be viewed as part of a broader heart-health strategy. Their effect on LDL cholesterol is measurable but considerably smaller than that of statin medications, which remain the standard treatment for people at higher cardiovascular risk.
Cardiologists recommend combining healthy eating habits with regular exercise, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and following medical advice when necessary. For many people, however, simple dietary choices can still be an important step toward better heart health.
Sources: Doctissimo
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