Food for life

An alternative to cheese that could lower cholesterol

You may not think of cheese as being one of the most healthy foods because of its high levels of cholesterol, but a new product just launched could change that.

It has all the characteristics of cheddar. It looks like it, tastes like it and can be used on crackers on grated on jacket potatoes.

It's called 'A Healthy Alternative to Cheese' and added to various other spreads and yoghurts can create a menu of foods that help us to heal ourselves.

Breakfast spoke to our resident GP Dr Rosemary Leonard, who told us about foods that can heal.

The main problem with cheese, as with other some other fatty foods and dairy produce is the high levels of cholesterol they can cause.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance in the body: a small amount comes from what you eat, in foods such as eggs and shellfish, but most is actually produced by your liver when you eat saturated fats.

Everyone needs a certain amount of cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D and bile, and to build cell membranes. Because modern diets contain a lot of saturated fat, your liver may produce more cholesterol than your body actually needs.

A low fat spread can keep cholesterol levels down

There are two main types of cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is 'bad' cholesterol: it is carried to the cells and arteries and causes fatty deposits to build up.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is 'good' cholesterol: it's carried away from the cells and arteries and then removed from the body.

You need to keep your LDL (bad) cholesterol at a healthy level, and maintain a higher level of HDL (good) cholesterol. Most people could benefit from reducing their LDL cholesterol levels.

Doctors have always recommended moving to a healthy diet as the most effective way to reduce 'bad' cholesterol.

A new product 'A healthy alternative to cheese' which is made by North Bradon Farms near Taunton, contains a special natural ingredient which stops harmful cholesterol from getting into the body.

The new alternative cheese product is designed for the 2 million Britons with high cholesterol levels. With initial research showing how it can significantly reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood - it has just gone on sale exclusively at Tesco stores.

In a study one person who ate a small amount of the cheese alternative each day saw their cholesterol level fall by over 20% in just three weeks.

The latest product will add to a list of other foods that can keep us in good shape including low fat spreads, high fibre cholesterol free breads and yoghurt drinks and should ensure that cheese lovers are not deprived of their favourite food.