Slash Cholesterol Levels with These Two Superfood Breakfasts, Dietitian Says
It can be daunting to make an entire diet overhaul for your health, so one expert recommended trying these heart-friendly breakfasts as a way to lower cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a potentially deadly health condition that occurs when you have too much of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood. Although this is not initially dangerous, over time it can build up in the blood vessels causing blockages, which can prevent proper blood flow in the arteries and lead to medical emergencies such as strokes and heart attacks.
Dietitian Kate Patton suggested making changes to your breakfast to start lowering cholesterol levels. Yoghurt with fruit and oats is one of the recommended meals for this purpose. Yoghurt, depending on its fat content, can be a good option as long as it doesn’t have added sugar. Combining it with fruit for sweetness and oats for substance can further help lower cholesterol levels, as oats contain beta-glucan, a type of fibre known for its cholesterol-lowering benefits.
Avocado on toast is another recommended breakfast choice for slashing cholesterol levels. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that daily avocado consumption led to lower bad cholesterol levels. The British Heart Foundation also considers avocados a heart-healthy option due to their unsaturated fat content. Other recommended breakfast foods for cholesterol-lowering properties include natural nut butters, nuts, seeds, and shredded wheat.
To maintain healthy cholesterol levels, it is advised to avoid foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal fat. If you already have high cholesterol or are at risk for it, dietitian Kate Patton advised against consuming beef fat, cheese, chicken fat, egg yolks, certain meats and poultry, dairy products, processed meats, shellfish, and spreads high in saturated fat. Instead, she suggested replacing animal fats with plant-based foods for better heart health.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, it’s recommended to speak to a healthcare professional. Making small changes to your breakfast routine can be a positive step towards improving your heart health and lowering cholesterol levels.