Diet & Fitness 

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Can porridge lower cholesterol levels?

My 42-year-old husband has very high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This is a hereditary problem and we are monitoring the situation carefully. I have discussed his diet with a dietitian, but have also heard that eating porridge can help to reduce cholesterol levels. Is this true?

A: Yes it is. Porridge - or oats - is rich in soluble fibre, which has been shown to help reduce blood cholesterol. High cholesterol occurs when fat builds up and constricts the arteries, thereby reducing blood flow to the heart. While cholesterol is mainly affected by hereditary factors as well as weight control, smoking and lack of exercise, eating oats has shown to improve blood flow in the arteries and therefore, can reduce cholesterol levels. All this, in turn, reduces the risk of heart disease. Fruits and vegetables are other excellent sources of soluble fibre and may help reduce cholesterol levels, as can Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant.

For information on which foods to avoid and which foods your husband should focus on in his diet, have a look at Cholesterol and your diet.

Why not chat to other iVillagers about cholesterol on the Eating For Health message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:

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