Atherosclerosis and related heart disease, along with conditions such as diabetes mellitus, are on the increase in the Western world. Research has shown that there may be a link between these diseases and high blood cholesterol, and between high blood cholesterol and the amount of fat in the diet. People with high levels of cholesterol and trigylcerides, and low levels of HDL are particularly at risk. Foods high in cholesterol and fat increase cholesterol levels in the body, and include:

• meats
• poultry
• fish
• seafood
• dairy products.

When saturated solid fats, such as butter, are added to the diet, the amount of cholesterol in the blood increases.

Take the 5-a-day fruit and veg test

The body can make all the cholesterol it needs without having to take in any additional cholesterol from the food we eat. Blood cholesterol levels are affected by the speed at which your body makes LDL cholesterol and disposes of it. This level is affected by:

• heredity;
• weight;
• physical activity/ exercise;
• age and sex;
• alcohol consumption; and
• stress.