The classic Sunday roast is a staple British comfort food, typically featuring a steaming mountain of crispy potatoes, tender meat, and golden Yorkshire puddings. These elements all play an essential role in the meal but a doctor has shared a simple tweak that could make the dish more beneficial for heart health. Dr Robin Clark, medical director at Bupa UK insurance, said a small change during the cooking process could go a long way.
He explained: “A simple heart health-friendly roast dinner is to swap what you roast your potatoes and vegetables in. Use a small amount of olive or modern rapeseed oil that doesn’t include high levels of erucic acid (a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid) instead of butter, lard or dripping. You’ll still get the flavour and crispness, but with fats that are better for your heart.”
Animal fats like butter or dripping are high in saturated fat, which can raise levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol if eaten frequently.
Dr Clark added: “Higher cholesterol increases the risk of heart and circulatory conditions over time.
“Using plant-based oils means you’re choosing more unsaturated fats, which are a healthier option for your heart.”
Having too much cholesterol in your blood can increase the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Dr Clark added: “Cholesterol itself is essential for the body, but too much of the ‘bad’ type can lead to fatty deposits building up in the arteries, restricting blood flow.
“Like high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels can be caused by diets high in saturated fat, lack of exercise, smoking and being overweight.
“Symptoms are usually silent, so regular checks are important.”
Other factors that can increase your chances of having high cholesterol include age, menopause, a family history of such problems and genetics.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
