29-04-2025
Popular breakfast food is a 'cholesterol bomb', warns cardiologist
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A cardiologist has dished out a stark warning about the three worst foods for those with high blood pressure, labelling one as a "cholesterol bomb".
Expert Dr Steven Lome shared his insights on the Physicians Committee podcast, where he delved into the the topic of cholesterol.
When discussing cholesterol, it's important to note there are two main types: HDL and LDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is what is known as 'good' cholesterol because it can help reduce someone's likelihood of developing a heart disease or a stroke.
LDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is known as bad cholesterol because having too much of it can block the arteries and increase someone's risk of heart disease.
Dr Lome has recommended to steer clear of processed meats, red meats, and eggs if you're watching their cholesterol levels.
He warned: "Processed meats, pepperoni, baloney, salami, sausage, things like that, they're extremely high in saturated fat and, most of the time most, saturated fat has the biggest impact and they are high in saturated fat.", reports Cork Beo.
"They also have a good amount of dietary cholesterol which we need to remember, dietary cholesterol is not an essential nutrient. Processed meats I think by far would be the worst.
"Next, I would put red meats which still would be high in cholesterol and saturated fat significantly so you really want to get rid of those. And then eggs. Eggs are a cholesterol bomb, I hear people call them. That yoke is just so full of cholesterol. In most surveys, eggs are the number one source of dietary cholesterol in the American diet."
When it comes to your diet's role in cholesterol buildup, there are several studies on the impacts of different foods.
Eggs
One study published in the Science Direct journal looked at the impact of eggs on blood lipid levels and whether they should be consumed at all.
They concluded: "When combined with healthy eating patterns that include more dietary fibre or fish, eggs may be beneficially associated with lipid outcomes. Overall, these results provide no evidence that egg intake should be limited when consumed as a part of a fibre-rich, heart-healthy diet."
Meanwhile, another study suggested that eggs could see a rise in levels of LDL cholesterol levels. Published in the Nutrients journal, researchers concluded: "Notably, longer-term high egg-consumption may lead to higher LDL-c/HDL-c ratio and LDL-c. However, RCTs with long-term follow-up are needed to guarantee the association between egg consumption and human health."
Red and Processed Meat
Red and processed meats could be riskier for heart health than previously thought, with Oxford University researchers unveiling alarming links to heart disease in their latest study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition journal.
Dr Keren Papier, a co-lead author of the research, highlighted: "Red and processed meat have been consistently linked with bowel cancer and our findings suggest an additional role in heart disease."
In response to these concerning links, she advised, "Therefore, current recommendations to limit red and processed meat consumption may also assist with the prevention of coronary heart disease."
Meanwhile, other experts have also warned against the consumption of processed and red meat when it comes to cholesterol and heart disease risk.
Wellness expert at Ski Alex Dyer, chatted with GloucestershireLive about the broader benefits of cutting down on processed meat, saying: "Reducing processed meats is not just about lowering cholesterol. It's about giving your heart the best chance to perform at its peak, whether that's during mountain treks or daily activities."
"When clients start cutting out processed meats, they often notice improvements in energy levels and recovery times. It's a change that supports better circulation and reduces the load on the cardiovascular system. The body becomes more efficient, endurance increases, and overall wellness improves."
To find out more about reducing your cholesterol, visit the HSE website.
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