Around 60% of all men and about 45% of all women are overweight or obese. According to the Heart Foundation, 1/3 to 1/2 of Australians between 20 and 69 years have higher than recommended blood cholesterol levels.
A balanced eating plan and lifestyle are crucial. This includes managing blood cholesterol, obesity, and blood pressure.
A balanced diet should be high in carbohydrates from grains, fruits, and vegetables, and low in saturated fat. It should also be rich in fiber. The Heart Foundation recommends 30 grams of fiber per day for all adults.
Most foods with fiber contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which offer different benefits. Soluble fiber helps lower blood cholesterol levels.
Research shows that eating a psyllium-rich cereal meal daily can lower cholesterol by 5% and LDL (bad cholesterol) by 9%.
Eating fiber-rich foods daily helps manage weight, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Source: Kellogg’s Facts for Life & Heart Foundation of Australia