NHS doctor says 48-hour diet lowers cholesterol levels for weeks

All you need to know as BBC Morning Live star and NHS GP reveals 8p breakfast meal that slashes cholesterol after 48 hours, following results from a recent scientific study.

• NHS GP Dr Punam has spoken out about an affordable 8p technique that can dramatically lower high cholesterol levels in just two days. She shared everything there is to know on a recent episode of BBC Morning Live.
• The doctor highlighted groundbreaking research from the University of Bonn showing that consuming 300g of porridge prepared with water for two days can reduce LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol by 10%. This simple intervention also led to modest reductions in blood pressure and an average weight loss of 2kg.
• Dr Punam explained the science behind the method: “There has been a recent study that was looking at porridge, making headlines for cholesterol. It was about people having soluble fibre, so porridge and hot water, over a couple of days, seems to make some improvement in your cholesterol levels and your blood pressure.”
• Porridge oats are incredibly budget-friendly, with Asda selling 1kg bags for just 85p – equating to approximately 8p per 100g portion. The GP stressed that ‘slow fibre’ foods like oats, beans and lentils are “fantastic” for reducing cholesterol when incorporated into a balanced diet long-term.
• Regular porridge consumption works through beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that binds to cholesterol in the intestines and blocks absorption. Daily consumption of 70g of oats provides 3g of beta-glucan, which can decrease LDL cholesterol by around 7% – comparable to statin benefits without side effects.
• Dr Punam warned that high cholesterol affects one in two adults, often without symptoms, earning it the nickname ‘silent killer’. She advised anyone over 40 to get tested, particularly those with family history or risk factors.
• The doctor also addressed medication stigma, stating: “Anything that’s going to reduce your risk is going to be good for you in terms of your longevity.”

READ THE FULL STORY: Cut high cholesterol in ‘two days’ with 8p food BBC doctor recommends