When you acquire too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood, it can pose a risk of increased heart problems or a stroke by blocking blood flow to the heart or brain.
Lifestyle factors that increase your risk of high cholesterol include excessive consumption of fatty foods, insufficient exercise, being overweight, smoking or drinking alcohol, according to the NHS.
As a result, plenty of individuals turn to prescribed medication to help combat the high levels of the fatty substance in a bid to keep any heart or stroke problems at bay.
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Eating well is the key to a balanced, healthier life
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However, it is not always necessary to turn to medication to assist with leading a happier, healthier life. In fact, a doctor has taken to TikTok to name the top five best foods for those with high cholesterol.
"You don’t need magic pills, just better meals," the medic (@myvital) told followers on TikTok. "Eat these often and your heart will thank you."
Although it is best to dodge foods that have saturated fat, which is associated with more unhealthy foods, unsaturated 'healthy' fats can be beneficial to a balanced diet, the NHS advises.
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Best foods for high cholesterol - simple, real, effective
- Oats
- Avocados
- Fatty fish
- Nuts
- Flax seeds
- Beans
- Olive oil
- Berries
Smoking increases risk of heart disease, strokes and cancer
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On the matter of foods that should be avoided, the health service urged those concerned with their cholesterol to try and consume less:
- Meat pies, sausages and fatty meat;
- Butter, lard and ghee;
- Cream and hard cheese, like cheddarcakes and biscuits;
- Food containing any coconut oil or palm oil.
Additionally, increasing your exercise to around 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week can assist with cholesterol levels, such as walking, swimming or cycling.
Equally, cutting out smoking and decreasing your alcohol consumption can assist with a reduced risk of developing a chronic life-threatening condition, such as heart disease, strokes and cancer.