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Original poster

Does benecol really help cholesterol ? And are there dairy free options

17 replies

KatyMac · 03/07/2023 11:00

DH got high cholesterol on his last blood test so I have popped him on a benecol yogurt every day - do we need to get a blood test after (how many?) Months to see if it has worked?

Mine has been high for decades - but I am milk, coconut, soya and almond free - is there any options for me other than statins which I won't go on

OP posts:
TeaAndStrumpets · 03/07/2023 11:08

I believe oat bran is good. DH sprinkles a teaspoon in his morning porridge. Mornflake is the brand we get.

PlainOldEmmaJane · 03/07/2023 12:14

Benecol do a vegetable spread, as do flora-proactiv. These products will potentially lower cholesterol around 10% or so, which may not be sufficient depending on what your level is. Adding oats and pulses to your diet can help reduce cholesterol also.

Original poster
KatyMac · 03/07/2023 12:26

Oats and pulses aren't great for me either - I have a damaged bowel

I think I don't have that much bad cholesterol I just don't have much good so the ratio is off

I'll just worry about DHs and carry on ignoring mine 😁🙄😬

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Soontobe60 · 03/07/2023 12:42

What has the GP advised?

DelilahBucket · 03/07/2023 12:51

Benecol and oats do help lower cholesterol, but if it is that high, really the only options are exactly what we all know we should be doing - lose weight, stop smoking, cut back alcohol consumption, don't eat a diet with much saturated fat, cut out processed products, eat lean meats, exercise regularly. There is no magic product you can start eating or drinking that will help.
If you need more good cholesterol, you can get this from your diet by eating things like prawns, eggs, avocados, nuts, oily fish and some other things.
If you have familial hypercholesterolemia and you cannot control your cholesterol with diet and exercise alone, then statins can often be seen as the only available option.

Original poster
KatyMac · 03/07/2023 13:22

Don't drink dont smoke

Mainly eat chicken and steak

No dairy - cutting back on ultra processed

But oily stuff doesn't work with my bowel problems so ignoring is the way to go

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Original poster
KatyMac · 03/07/2023 13:24

Gp says diet but it's tricky - I thought I had uncontrolled ibs for years but it turns out I have a damaged bowel - they aren't keen on statins for me

I can sometimes digest oats if they are blended well so I'll look in to recipes

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Abergale · 03/07/2023 13:27

you can buy plant sterols (the ingriedient in benecol that helps cholesterol) as a lone supplement and take them with meals.

Original poster
KatyMac · 03/07/2023 13:32

@Abergale that sounds doable

I have very low blood pressure, my blood sugar is low but normal, I'm a bit over weight and carry it all on my belly!!

I exercise as much as I can manage with ME/CFS/FM

I'm going to "not worry" it's a great strategy

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LadyWiddiothethird · 04/07/2023 00:32

I see a Professor for high cholesterol at my local hospital.He told me at my first appointment that Benecol and similar products do nothing to reduce cholesterol and not to buy them.

Original poster
KatyMac · 04/07/2023 08:33

Interesting @LadyWiddiothethird I wonder how they are allowed to sell/market them then

OP posts:
Freysimo · 04/07/2023 08:46

LadyWiddiothethird · 04/07/2023 00:32

I see a Professor for high cholesterol at my local hospital.He told me at my first appointment that Benecol and similar products do nothing to reduce cholesterol and not to buy them.

That's interesting . I think I'll stop the Benocol. I've been on it for years, reduced cholesterol by about 10% which is neither here nor there. My total cholesterol is 6 but triglycerides and HDL/LDL ratio are good so not worried. GP didn't push to go on statins and I dont want to.

longtompot · 04/07/2023 09:12

@KatyMac If your cholesterol is very high and you can't take statins then you might be eligible for Inclisiran. My dh has this and it is working really well for him. Worth a chat with your gp. It is expensive so they might not be keen but if there are no other avenues for you, then this would be the way to go.

MrsWolni · 04/07/2023 19:24

I think I don't have that much bad cholesterol I just don't have much good so the ratio is off

Nuts, seeds, oily fish, high omega 3 foods can all help boost your good cholesterol.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/how-to-lower-your-cholesterol/

nhs.uk

High cholesterol - How to lower your cholesterol

Find out what you can do to lower your cholesterol, such as what to eat and what to avoid.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/how-to-lower-your-cholesterol/

MrsWolni · 04/07/2023 19:24

Tbh if you both have high cholesterol, you need to have a look at a diet overhaul., link above^

Original poster
KatyMac · 04/07/2023 21:33

Neither of us drink or smoke
We share about 3 meals a week as my diet is so restricted

He lives on oily fish nuts and rice, with a load of chicken and probably too much cheese - but he already limits that cos of his asthma/chest

I eat bread, root veg, chicken, steak and occasional salmon - pretty low fat well, little or no added fat, no dairy/cheese/coconut/soya/almond/nut or veg oil just a bit of olive oil occasionally

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