Cholesterol-lowering breakfast that costs less than £1 and no cooking required

Cholesterol-lowering breakfast that costs less than £1 and no cooking required The NHS recommends a number of lifestyle changes to help lower your cholesterol levels, including cutting down on saturated fats and increasing your intake of fibre While high cholesterol itself carries no obvious symptoms, leaving it untreated can trigger a range of serious complications, from heart disease to potentially life-threatening conditions such as stroke. In some instances, high cholesterol can be inherited, though it is more commonly linked to lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise habits. The NHS advises reducing consumption of fatty foods high in saturated fats, such as processed meats including sausages and bacon, butter, cheese and cream. Cholesterol itself isn't inherently harmful — in fact, it plays a vital role in several key bodily functions, including cell production, digestion and hormone creation. However, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly referred to as bad cholesterol, can prove damaging to your health. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and oily fish, combined with regular physical activity — even something as simple as a daily walk — can help bring down bad cholesterol levels and guard against further health issues. Yet there is one particular food frequently highlighted for its cholesterol-lowering properties, which can effortlessly be incorporated into your morning routine as a wholesome breakfast option. Packed with carbohydrates and an array of essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, zinc and B vitamins, oats also boast a soluble fibre known as beta-glucan, which has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels. According to Good Food, consuming 3g or more of the soluble fibre found in oats can lower cholesterol levels by binding with bad cholesterol in the digestive tract and helping to flush it out of the body, reports Surrey Live. While several varieties of porridge oats are available, including rolled, quick and instant, they can be found at most UK supermarkets, including Sainsbury's where they retail for just 85p and Waitrose for £1.25. In 2024, the UK government announced that some porridge oats would be classified as "less healthy" foods, though this specifically applies to instant porridge containing added sweeteners. In a post published on the British Heart Foundation's website, Senior Dietician Tracy Parker stated that: "Instant porridge is fine if you stay away from flavoured or sweetened versions. Even healthy-sounding flavours such as apple and blueberry generally contain added sugars." She instead advises opting for a plain porridge without added flavourings to maximise the nutritional benefits of the oats, and suggests using a low-fat milk or water to cut down on saturated fat and help keep cholesterol levels in check.