Nordic diet

Experts have revealed adopting a Nordic diet could play a major part in lowering cholesterol levels and can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden found participants in a study who ate a Nordic diet for up to 24 weeks, had lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and higher levels of good HDL cholesterol.

Experts found the amount of harmful fat particles in the blood also decreased. 

The 'healthy Nordic diet' used in the study contains local produce such as berries, root vegetables, legumes, and cabbage.

Nuts, game, poultry and fish are also included, as well as whole grains, rapeseed oil and low-fat dairy products.

The rest of the group ate butter instead of rapeseed oil, fewer berries and vegetables, and had no rules on red meat or white bread intake.

The Mediterrranean diet - which is rich in fish, olive oil and vegetables, has previously been considered to help people reduce the risk of dementia.

The study, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, said: “Healthy Nordic diet improved lipid profile and had a beneficial effect on low-grade inflammation.”

The main factors associated with raised cholesterol levels are inherited genes, age and lifestyle – especially your diet, alcohol intake and physical activity levels

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