What is cholesterol?

There are two sources of cholesterol. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need and the rest comes from the things that you eat. For example, meat, poultry and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol, along with foods that are high in saturated and trans fats.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the body and it’s not all bad. We need it to make vitamins, cell membranes, other hormones and bile acid. It’s only when we have too much that it can cause us a problem.

There are two types of cholesterol; LDL is the bad kind whereas HDL is good. LDL takes cholesterol to cells in the body, whereas HDL takes cholesterol back to the liver. Too much of the bad (LDL) or not enough of the good (HDL) are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

How do I know if I have high cholesterol?

A good cholesterol level should be less than 5.0 mmol/L, but there is no way of knowing what your cholesterol is without a blood test. If you are concerned about your cholesterol or heart health it’s a good idea to talk to your GP. They will be able to arrange for a blood test to be carried out and talk to you about your results.

How much can oat beta-glucan affect cholesterol levels in the blood?

Over one hundred studies have been undertaken about the effect of oat beta-glucan on cholesterol levels in the blood, with the results published in well-known scientific journals. They have shown that beta-glucan can reduce the unwanted LDL cholesterol level by as much as 10% while leaving the good HDL cholesterol unaffected.

How is the beneficial effect of oat beta-glucan achieved with CardiOat Crispy Heart™?

A: Your cholesterol level can be reduced through a daily intake of 3g of oat beta-glucan. Each portion of the CardiOat Crispy Hearts™ contains the full 3g of beta-glucan and thus contribute to lowering cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. Beta-glucans also contribute to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. Oat beta-glucan is a naturally occurring dietary fibre contained in oats.

What else can I do to support my heart health?

Following a balanced and healthy diet as well as taking regular exercise are fundamental to supporting your overall health and wellbeing. A balanced and healthy diet means including foods such as fruit and vegetables which contain cholesterol-lowering compounds such a plant stanols or sterols. Ensuring that you reduce your saturated fat intake is also an important step in maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.