Your body produces cholesterol itself as well as absorbing small amounts from certain foods, such as meat, eggs and full fat dairy products.
Choosing a heart-healthy eating pattern can help manage cholesterol levels and help reduce your risk of future heart problems. This is not about seeing food as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ or following restrictive diets. It is about making and sustaining small changes. Enjoying a combination of heart-healthy foods, chosen regularly, over time will help towards managing your cholesterol levels and keeping your heart healthy.
Types of fat in your eating pattern are important for managing cholesterol. Healthy fats help to lower ‘bad’ (low-density lipoprotein, LDL) cholesterol and increase ‘good’ (high-density lipoprotein, HDL) cholesterol. Replace unhealthy fats (saturated and trans fats) with healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats). This can help to keep your heart healthy.
To help manage your cholesterol, your doctor might also prescribe you medicines, like statins.
To help manage your cholesterol:
These food choices are naturally low in unhealthy fats, salt and added sugar, and rich in fibre, wholegrains, vitamins and healthy fats. This way of eating can help lower your cholesterol levels.
Making small changes daily adds up. Every small change you make can make a big difference to your health over time. Think about a few changes that you can start with and write them down.
And don't forget our top five heart-healthy eating tips.
The Heart Foundation offers a variety of recipes and tips to help you prioritise your heart health and overall wellbeing.
Last updated28 May 2024