High cholesterol: Nutritionist reveals top prevention tips

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The right diet can start someone on the way to improving their cholesterol levels.

Something that people can add to their diet with great speed is coconut water, a drink available at most supermarkets.

Studies have found it can improve or support heart health.

One study from 2008 found that it reduced cholesterol levels in rats.

An even earlier study, this time in 2005, suggested it could lower blood pressure in those who already have high blood pressure.

The reason for coconut water’s apparent cholesterol lowering properties is it’s potassium content that can lower blood pressure in those for whom it is normal or high.

As with other treatments for a myriad of conditions more research is needed on the impact coconut water can have on hypertension.

Also, a word of warning, in the 2008 study the doses of coconut water were the equivalent of drinking over two and a half litres of coconut water a day in someone weighing 68kg.

Away from water the NHS has a number of dietary recommendations including cutting salt intake to less than six grams a day, the equivalent of one teaspoon.

Furthermore, eating a low-fat and balanced diet is also recommended.

In conjunction with eating well, exercising is also near the top of the list.

Traditionally the NHS recommends a minimum of two and a half hours of exercise a week.

With exercise it is a case of the more the merrier and it is most effective when enacted at the same time as other lifestyle changes.

Including quitting smoking and reducing how much alcohol a person drinks per week.

Both of these acts, while difficult depending on how much they are engaged in, have long term benefits.

So too does a side effect of a balanced diet and increased levels of exercise, losing weight.

Drinking less caffeine will also help lower blood pressure.

Should these lifestyle changes not help, there are medicines that can be prescribed that will lower it further.

Your GP may prescribe ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers or a combination of the two.

Each person is different and thus each prescription will be different meaning that it is important to follow the instructions of said prescription to the letter.

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