Britain has the world’s worst record for heart disease. Each year 200,000 Britons suffer from heart attacks. Heart disease is on the increase.

So what’s the main cause?

The worst culprit is too much saturated fat in our diet. Saturated fat is converted by the liver into blood cholesterol, high levels of which are very closely linked to heart disease.

Our liver makes more than one type of blood cholesterol. One has earned the reputation of being ‘good’, while another has become known as ‘bad’ cholesterol.

The good cholesterol is called high density lipoprotein cholesterol or HDL. It actually helps to clear up surplus cholesterol from out blood stream. Low density lipoprotein, or LDL is known as the bad cholesterol and it carries cholesterol from the liver to the blood vessels. All of us have a certain amount of both types in our blood at all times (and can be affected by your family health history).

The more good HDL and the less bad LDL cholesterol we have in our blood, the better it is for our hearts.

However becoming aware of what’s in the food you’re eating and regular physical activity are important to everyone for maintaining cardiovascular health.

Foods typically high in saturated fat (list non exhaustive): Full fat milk, cheese, pies, pastries, croissants, crisps, cakes and biscuits.

Food label guide:

Fat High = 20g or more per 100g

Low = 3g or less per 100g

Saturated Fat High = 5g or more per 100g

Low = 1.5g per 100g

Here at New Image Personal Training in Halifax we can help you to improve the way you eat and become more physically active.

Click here to find out more – personal trainer in Halifax