Over 50s told tackle high cholesterol by cutting out single food over holidays

People struggling with high cholesterol and other metabolic disorders already know the festive season will be laden with delicious treats they’ll likely have to avoid. However, one savoury item in every Christmas dinner may also be an unsuspecting culprit.

Cutting out processed meat when you’re over the age of 50 has been said to help lower your cholesterol levels. Nutrition experts at Ski Vertigo noted that processed meats, including festive favourites like bacon, sausages and deli meat - including the traditional Pigs in Blankets - usually have high levels of saturated fats and cholesterol.

They explained that ditching these meats can improve blood flow, lower cholesterol levels, enhance energy levels and combat the increasing cardiovascular risk that comes with age. Alex Dyer, wellness expert at Ski Vertigo, said: “We always remind our clients that making small, targeted changes can have profound long-term benefits.

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"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.”

While the experts encouraged cutting down your processed meat intake at any age, they particularly urged people in their 50s to cut out the foods entirely if possible. If not, they shared some other tips and meal switches to help control your cholesterol levels and heart health.

The experts recommended increasing your soluble fibre intake, found in foods such as oatmeal, lentils and apples, to improve your cholesterol levels even further. Replacing other cholesterol-causing ingredients for healthy fats can also help manage your cholesterol without losing out on the delicious festive foods. For example, switching out salad dressings for olive oil and incorporating more fatty fish for the omega-3 benefits.

Staying active, and well hydrated during activities, has been proven to strengthen heart health and circulation to combat high cholesterol levels. The experts suggested aiming for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.