Our bodies need a certain amount of cholesterol, but too much in the blood can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. This is because high levels of cholesterol cause a thickening of the walls of the arteries and blood vessels making them narrower, which in turn makes it more difficult for blood to pass through. If the heart’s blood vessels become blocked it means we are more likely to have a heart attack.

One way to protect our heart and reduce the risk of heart disease is to follow a heart healthy diet. This includes eating foods rich in soluble fibre. That’s where oats can help. Porridge Oats provide a rich source of soluble fibre beta-glucan. This complex carbohydrate works by helping to ‘soak up’ cholesterol and eliminate it from the body. Beta glucans have also been shown to be very effective in the lowering of LDL (bad cholesterol), decreasing hypertension (raised blood pressure) and maintaining normal bloody cholesterol levels. One 40g serving of porridge oats provides 1.8g of beta-glucan which is two thirds of the recommended daily intake of 3g per day*.

*The inclusion of oats as part of a diet low in saturated fat and a healthy lifestyle can actively help reduce cholesterol.