High cholesterol can be difficult to handle even for the best of us. But don’t fret just yet, Talent Management is here with our top tips and tricks on how to maintain a healthy level, so you’ll look just as good on the inside as you do on the outside!

Firstly, it’s important to understand that cholesterol is key to the natural running of the body, so it’s not all bad. Going too high or indeed too low can have a serious effect on your health, so a balanced level is vital.

If you suspect high cholesterol is on the cards, the first thing you need to do is reduce your intake of bad cholesterol, known as Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL).

The other type of cholesterol is High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), the good kind. Just remember that the perfect cholesterol scenario is a low LDL and high HDL level.

Foods that produce LDL in the body are saturated animal fats, so we recommend reducing your intake of butters, creams, cheeses, full fat milk and fatty red meat, such as salami and sausages.

Now onto the foods we encourage you to eat – a lot more fun to listen to. Fibre is top of our list and is the perfect start to the day. Try a wholegrain cereal or wholemeal toast. These breakfasts contain soluble fibre, which will help to trap cholesterol in the digestive tract so that it doesn’t get into your bloodstream.

Next on the list, you’ll be happy to know, is extremely cheap, and that’s water. By drinking more water you’ll prevent dehydration, which can actually cause the body to overproduce cholesterol.

Another great food for increasing HDL levels is oily fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. Just remember though that pregnant women or those who may have a baby one day should stick to no more than two 140g portions a week, as oily fish can affect the development of a baby. Men, however, can knock their socks off and indulge in up to four portions a week.

Talent Management’s Top Tips Round-Up:

1. Start the day with a fibre-packed breakfast

2. Drink more water

3. Reduce your intake of full fat diary products

4. Avoid fatty meat

5. Introduce oily fish into your diet