High cholesterol: A common spice 'raises the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease' - how to eat less

Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and director of Nuclear Cardiology at Mount Sinai St. Luke, Dr Alan Rozanski said salt is one of the most commonly agreed upon threats.

He explained: "Most health organisations agree that excessive sodium intake (well above 2,300 mg/day) raises the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease."

While salt is essential for many bodily functions, eating too much can be harmful, and foods, such as processed foods, could increase your risk of illness.

Dr Rozanski continued: "To reduce sodium intake, limit highly processed foods, canned soups, and hidden sources of salt like pizza.

"Cooking at home helps you control salt levels, and using herbs, spices, lemons, and other citrus is a great way to season food without relying on salt."

Tasting food before seasoning and using other types of seasonings when cooking can be useful when trying to limit your salt intake.

Ultra-processed foods are also often full of fat and simple sugars, which can also raise blood pressure and cholesterol (two ailments which are interlinked).

The doctor added: "Those at risk for high cholesterol should limit their intake of highly processed foods, which can raise LDL cholesterol in multiple ways.

"These foods are often high in saturated fats and added sugars, leading to harmful changes in cholesterol levels. They are also low in fibre, which helps remove cholesterol."

Instead of tucking into processed foods like ready meals, pastries, cereals and fizzy drinks, try to incorporate whole foods into your diet.

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Dr Rozanski said: "Processed foods lack essential nutrients like the antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains that support overall health."

As well as reducing salt, experts share how fruit could deliver huge reductions in your blood pressure.

A new study recommended eating more bananas as dietary potassium is key to managing hypertension.