Health experts have identified two beloved components of the traditional full English breakfast as among the worst foods for people with high cholesterol levels.
The Cholesterol Danger in Your Fry-Up
Senior dietitian Tracy Parker, writing for the British Heart Foundation, has warned that certain elements of Britain's favourite breakfast could significantly raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of serious heart problems.
High cholesterol occurs when there's too much fatty substance circulating in your bloodstream, which can gradually cause blockages by hardening and narrowing your arteries. This condition represents a significant risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes.
Processed Meats Under Fire
Sausages and bacon, both classified as processed meats, have been singled out as particularly problematic for those monitoring their cholesterol. Tracy Parker advised people to "avoid" these foods where possible to lower health risks.
"These food groups contain the highest levels of saturated fat and so you should try to eat less of them if you want to lower your cholesterol levels," Parker explained in her guidance.
She detailed the concerning statistics: "This includes beef, lamb, and pork, as well as processed meats like sausages, bacon, salami, and pâtés. These meats are high in saturated fat, with about five to 10g per 100g serving."
Understanding the Daily Limits
The expert highlighted how quickly these breakfast favourites can use up your daily saturated fat allowance. "Just one portion can provide a quarter or more of your daily limit," she warned.
Current UK Government recommendations state that men should consume no more than 30 grams of saturated fat daily, while women should limit their intake to 20g.
Parker provided a sobering perspective on portion sizes: "The recommendation is to eat no more than 70g of red and processed meat each day. That's about one and a half pork sausages, five tablespoons of mince, or two rashers of bacon."
Her guidance aligns with American experts from Harvard Health, who also recommend avoiding processed meat. They noted that while turkey or chicken versions of bacon and sausage might seem healthier, "they're somewhat lower in cholesterol than the red meat versions, but they're not cholesterol-free."
Beyond processed meats, Parker also advised limiting consumption of butter, lard, ghee, tropical oils, full-fat dairy products, baked goods, and chocolate to manage cholesterol levels effectively.
Taking Control of Your Heart Health
For those concerned about their cholesterol, the NHS recommends several lifestyle changes including reducing intake of fatty foods, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
If you have worries about your cholesterol levels, healthcare professionals advise consulting with your GP for personalised advice and potential testing.
