In brief

• High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Dietitians recommend energy balls made from oatmeal, dried fruit, nuts and seeds.
• Oats contain beta-glucan, which binds bile acids in the intestines.

Why snacks matter

High cholesterol leads to the formation of plaques in the arteries, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The good news is that even small dietary changes, for example a more conscious choice of snacks, can help lower cholesterol levels (Диетологи назвали вкусный перекус для снижения уровня холестерина – Charter 97) (Дієтологи назвали смачний перекус для зниження рівня холестерину – UNIAN).

Energy balls made with oatmeal

Dietitians point to energy balls made from oat flakes, dried fruit, nuts and seeds as an example of a beneficial snack. Such a snack is rich in fiber and contains other nutrients that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

The role of beta-glucan

According to dietitian Kiran Campbell, oats contain a lot of beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that acts like a sponge binding cholesterol. Beta-glucan forms a gel-like mass in the intestines, which binds bile acids, and these are formed from cholesterol in the liver.

Key takeaways

Snacks rich in fiber and heart-supporting substances can be a simple way to improve test results. Before making dietary changes for elevated cholesterol, it is worth consulting a doctor or dietitian.