Lidl's £1.99 drink can help lower cholesterol and reduce fatty liver risk

Various studies show how consuming key ingredient included in Lidl's yoghurt drink may have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels

Lidl is selling a health-boosting drink that could help people struggling to lower their cholesterol levels. The budget-friendly supermarket's Cholesterlow yoghurt drinks contain a key ingredient that can warn off risk of a fatty liver too.

For a mere £1.99, customers can pick up six 100g bottles of the probiotic drink in stores. It is available in two flavours: natural and strawberry.

The drink is made with a substance called plant sterol esters. It is typically found in vegetable oils, nuts, chickpeas and seeds and can help lower cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that is able to enter your body.

Cholesterol is made by your liver and circulates in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells, protect nerves and to produce vitamins and hormones.

However, having too much can be bad for your health. High cholesterol can put you at risk of peripheral artery disease, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure and stroke. High cholesterol is common among people with diabetes.

High cholesterol typically doesn't show any symptoms, making it a silent threat. If not addressed, it can result in serious issues like heart attacks and strokes. This hidden danger often goes unnoticed until it’s too late, which is why regular cholesterol checks are essential for your health.

How do plant sterols work?

Phytosterols have a cell structure that resembles cholesterol, allowing them to compete with it for absorption in your digestive system. When your body processes these plant sterols instead of cholesterol, it helps eliminate some cholesterol as waste.

This leads to reduced cholesterol levels and better overall health. One study found plant sterols can reduce cholesterol absorption by 30–50%.

Phytosterols can help reduce cholesterol levels when included in a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Research indicates that consuming 2g of phytosterols daily can lead to an 8% to 10% decrease in LDL cholesterol.

People who are on statins or ezetimibe, a medication for lowering cholesterol, may also experience benefits from phytosterols. Some studies suggest that phytosterols might contribute to the accumulation of plaque in blood vessels, but further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Phytosterols are not advised for individuals with sitosterolemia, a genetic condition that causes an accumulation of cholesterol and plant sterols in the body. Speak to your doctor first before making any diet or lifestyle changes and to check plant sterols are suitable for you.