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There are several ways people could naturally fight back against high cholesterol. A health expert has explained some of her top recommendations for people wanting to make natural food-based

changes to their diet to clear out their arteries of harmful 'bad' cholesterol. High cholesterol is often called a 'silent killer' because it has no real symptoms to

pick up on before people experience a major medical problem like a heart attack or stroke that can be fatal. Millions of Brits have been diagnosed with this condition - but there's

something everyone can do to help. Dietitian Angie Jefferson has said that some foods can be taken alongside any prescribed medication to obliterate cholesterol naturally and support this

new lifestyle, reports the Express. She said: "Plant sterols and stanols are similar in size and shape to cholesterol and block some cholesterol absorption from your gut. This gradually

reduces the amount of cholesterol in your blood." "There are tiny amounts in plant foods, but to get the effective dose of 3g/day you need to consume foods with added plant

sterols and stanols." These can be found in "mini shot-style drinks, fat spreads or yoghurts", but Angie warned that your body won't retain plant sterols and stanols if

you stop consuming them. Another suggestion was to include oats and barley in your diet, as they contain a soluble, gel-forming fibre known as beta-glucan. Speaking to The Menopause

Exchange, Angie explained that beta-glucan "hangs on to cholesterol and bile acids during digestion", which aids in lowering cholesterol. She added: "Oats, barley and foods

made from these can help lower cholesterol, provided these contain at least 1g of beta-glucan per portion." Having just a "small handful of nuts and soya were also some foods that

Angie recommended to combat high cholesterol. She said: "Research shows that nuts and soya foods, rich in protein and fibre, minerals and plant compounds, can help to support heart

health." Angie said: "Try experimenting with plant-based meals using soya mince, edamame beans or tofu to replace normal protein." While incorporating such foods into your

diet can significantly help manage cholesterol levels, poor eating habits can negate these benefits. To ensure you're truly benefiting from healthy food choices, it's crucial to

also reduce (or completely eliminate) foods that boost cholesterol. The NHS recommends reducing intake of: * MEAT PIES, SAUSAGES AND FATTY MEAT * BUTTER, LARD AND GHEE * CREAM AND HARD

CHEESE, LIKE CHEDDAR * CAKES AND BISCUITS * FOOD THAT CONTAINS COCONUT OIL OR PALM OIL Exercise is also crucial in the management of cholesterol levels. Everybody is recommended by the

health body to get active for at least 150 minutes per week.