5 Ways to Lower Your Risk of High Cholesterol

Staying healthy starts with what you put on your plate. “Diet is a big contributor of high cholesterol, and saturated fat is the worst culprit for causing levels to rise,” says Dr. Andrew Thornber, chief medical officer at Now Patient. “It can be found in high-fat dairy foods (such as cream, whole milk, hard cheese, butter), in fatty cuts of meat and in cakes and pastries.”

Thornber says that if you’re concerned about your cholesterol, you should look at your diet (and speak to your GP) and approach these foods with particular moderation.

Regularly frying your dinner? It might be time to put away the frying pan. Boiling, poaching or steaming are “much healthier ways of cooking,” says Thornber. He adds: “Also avoid using butter to cook and use healthy heart alternatives such as olive, rapeseed and sunflower oils.”

“Alcohol may raise HDL ‘good cholesterol’ levels in those who drink small amounts, but remember it’s also full of empty calories,” says Kaura.

She explains that alcohol is a common contributor to weight gain, which is one of the biggest risk factors for high cholesterol.

“If you don’t want to give up alcohol entirely, it is best to stick within the guidelines of no more than two to three units of alcohol a day, with at least two alcohol-free days a week,” she notes.

It’s a good idea to keep cigarettes in check too. “Smoking has a significant impact on cholesterol levels, so try and quit or cut down,” says Thornber.