Dietitian Rosalyn Moragues Pitzzio has advised individuals diagnosed with high blood cholesterol levels following blood tests to incorporate a selection of nutrient-rich foods into their daily diet, Spanish newspaper Deia reported.
Pitzzio named several key plant-based items capable of lowering cholesterol in the bloodstream, specifically recommending oatmeal, chia seeds, broccoli, carrots, and chard. She also advised patients managing the condition to consume nuts, including almonds and walnuts, as well as fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
Beyond specific food choices, Pitzzio stated that people with high cholesterol should generally reduce their intake of processed foods and increase their overall fiber consumption. She emphasized that adopting a balanced diet is only one of several essential habits required to combat hypercholesterolemia. To effectively manage the condition, she recommended engaging in regular physical activity, achieving weight normalization, and undergoing routine medical check-ups every year.
Understanding hypercholesterolemia and dietary fiber
Hypercholesterolemia refers to abnormally elevated concentrations of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced by the body and obtained through food, necessary for building cell membranes and producing vital hormones. However, excess low-density lipoprotein cholesterol can accumulate along arterial walls, leading to narrowed blood vessels and an elevated risk of heart disease and stroke.
Dietary soluble fiber, abundant in whole grains like oats and vegetables such as carrots and broccoli, plays a major role in cholesterol management. Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol particles in the digestive tract, facilitating their excretion before they enter circulation. Meanwhile, nuts and fatty fish contain healthy unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate blood lipid levels and protect arterial walls.
The recommendations reported by Deia, a regional news publication based in Bilbao in the Basque region of Spain, align with standard clinical guidance on preventative cardiology. Healthcare professionals routinely urge patients with abnormal blood lipid markers to implement dietary adjustments alongside broader lifestyle changes before relying solely on medication.
Cardiovascular health and the Mediterranean diet
Pitzzio's advice on cholesterol management follows earlier guidance provided by cardiologist Anastasia Poskakalova on preserving long-term heart health. Poskakalova explained that maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system requires consistent lifestyle habits, specifically advising individuals to adopt a traditional Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet is a well-established nutritional pattern focused on high consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats such as olive oil, alongside moderate portions of fish. Numerous medical studies have shown that this diet supports vascular function, lowers blood pressure, and significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. Combining such dietary practices with annual medical examinations ensures that changes in blood cholesterol are detected and addressed early.
