Although aubergines, which are also known as eggplants, are consumed more like a vegetable, they are technically a fruit.
Cheryl Lythgoe, matron at Benenden Health, explained: “Aubergines are a tasty vegetable which can easily be added to a lot of our favourite dishes. The vegetable has an antioxidant that may help to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol.
“Along with this, it is a great source of fibre and has various important nutrients which can support the immune system and brain function.”
This advice received support from cholesterol charity Heart UK, which endorsed the fruit because of its fibre composition.
“It blocks some cholesterol from being absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream,” it says.
Research published in the journal of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology found that aubergine consumption could reduce cholesterol levels within just four weeks.
A healthy total cholesterol reading in the blood is typically regarded as five millimoles per litre (mmol/l) or below. More precisely, a healthy amount of high-density lipoprotein should be one or more mmol/l.
Meanwhile, you ought to maintain four or less mmol/l of low-density lipoprotein. To determine whether your cholesterol levels are elevated, your GP will need to conduct a blood test.
Raised cholesterol is also connected to insufficient physical activity, smoking and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
Cheryl explained: “Eat a healthy balanced diet with a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, and lean meat, and which is low in fatty food (especially those containing saturated or trans fats).
“Eat plenty of wholegrain cereals as well as pulses. These are high in soluble fibre, which helps to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol.
“Get or remain active. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) suggests 150 minutes of activity a week at a minimum, such as brisk walking or cycling.
“BHF says that being active can increase the level of ‘good cholesterol’ in your blood. It can also help lower your blood pressure and help you to maintain a healthy weight.”
At the time of writing, you could purchase an aubergine from Sainsbury’s for 95p. If you have worries about your cholesterol levels, you should consult your GP.