High cholesterol levels can lead to a number of health issues, including heart attacks and strokes
Two staples of a traditional full English breakfast have been identified as amongst the “worst” options for those managing high cholesterol levels. A specialist has recommended people should “avoid” these items wherever feasible to reduce the likelihood of related health complications.
Elevated cholesterol occurs when excessive amounts of this fatty compound accumulate in the blood. This creates serious health concerns as it can progressively lead to blockages while causing arteries to stiffen and constrict.
Raised cholesterol is also a major contributing factor to heart attacks and strokes. What you consume has a vital impact on cholesterol concentrations.
In advice provided for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), senior dietitian Tracy Parker stated: “Eating too many foods high in saturated fats can raise your cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol.
“Too much LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis – the build up of cholesterol and fatty material (plaque) in your blood vessels – which can increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes.”
Animal-derived products contain saturated fats, including processed meats and butter, along with specific tropical oils like coconut and palm varieties. Government guidelines in the UK state that men should not exceed 30 grams of saturated fat per day, while women ought to restrict consumption to 20g. Tracy went on to pinpoint the “worst foods” for elevated cholesterol levels.
She explained: “These food groups contain the highest levels of saturated fat and so you should try to eat less of them if you want to lower your cholesterol levels.”
Two cornerstone elements of a traditional full English breakfast – sausages and bacon – fall under the processed meat category and ought to be “avoided” by those seeking to bring down their cholesterol levels.
Tracy explored the connection between red and processed meat consumption and cholesterol, explaining: “This includes beef, lamb, and pork, as well as processed meats like sausages, bacon, salami, and pâtés. These meats are high in saturated fat, with about five to 10g per 100g serving.
“Just one portion can provide a quarter or more of your daily limit. The recommendation is to eat no more than 70g of red and processed meat each day. That’s about one and a half pork sausages, five tablespoons of mince, or two rashers of bacon.”
She also recommended steering clear of:
- Butter, lard, and ghee
- Tropical oils
- Full-fat dairy products
- Baked goods
- Chocolate
Her recommendations mirror those of specialists at Harvard Health in the US, who suggest avoiding processed meat, observing: “Hot dogs, sausage, and bacon use the fattiest cuts of red meat, and therefore tend to be high in cholesterol and saturated fat.
“Bacon and sausage made with turkey or chicken might seem healthier, and they are somewhat lower in cholesterol than the red meat versions, but they’re not cholesterol-free.”
The NHS recommends the following to lower your cholesterol levels:
- Cut down on fatty foods
- Boost your physical activity
- Stop smoking
- Limit your alcohol intake
If you’re concerned about your cholesterol levels, it’s best to seek advice from your GP.
