Improving cholesterol and blood pressure with diet | A Masterclass

Cardiovascular health relies on managing cholesterol and blood pressure through targeted dietary and lifestyle interventions. Legumes serve as a foundational food group, offering fiber and plant protein that consistently correlate with reduced mortality. Managing ApoB levels involves limiting saturated fat in favor of unsaturated fats, which optimizes LDL receptor function, alongside the Portfolio Diet’s emphasis on nuts, viscous fiber, and plant stanols. Beyond cholesterol, maintaining a healthy sodium-potassium balance is essential for blood pressure regulation, as potassium-rich whole foods mitigate the vasoconstrictive effects of excess sodium. Furthermore, plaque regression is achievable through a combination of lipid-lowering therapies and heart-healthy dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet. Ultimately, long-term arterial health requires a synergistic approach, stacking consistent exercise, weight management, and high-quality nutrition to stabilize existing plaque and prevent future cardiovascular events.