People over 50 should cut out one food to help lower cholesterol levels quickly

File photo dated 27/08/14 of egg, sausages and bacon being fried in a frying pan
-Credit: (Image: PA)


If you’re in your 50s and looking for a way to ensure your cardiovascular health stays in good shape then there’s one food item a lot of people eat that could be doing more harm than good.

If you’re an ardent lover of a full English breakfast it’s bad news - the Wellness experts at Ski Vertigo say that processed meats could be clogging your arteries with cholesterol

Processed meats, including bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats, are often packed with saturated fats and cholesterol. These can contribute to higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol that clogs arteries and impedes circulation.

Ski Vertigo’s nutrition experts say that by avoiding processed meats you can improve your blood flow and endurance, not just during physical activities but in daily life as well.

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It’s not just these experts saying this though. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher consumption of processed meat is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

If you want to make sure your cardiovascular health is tip top then you can swap the bacon and sausages for lean proteins such as fish and legumes.

Replace saturated fats with unsaturated options such as olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish like salmon and mackerel. This will help maintain your cholesterol levels and support heart function.

salmon steaks and salad
Fish is a delicious and healthy option -Credit:Getty Images

They’re easy to incorporate by using olive oil as a salad dressing or enjoying fish a few times a week for the omega-3 benefits.

If you want to go the extra mile then add plenty of fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats from nuts and olive oil so you can support your cardiovascular wellness.

It’s also crucial to ensure you’re drinking enough water. Proper hydration maintains blood volume and supports circulation, helping the heart work efficiently. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily.