Lidl's £1.99 yoghurt drink helps reduce high cholesterol and fatty liver risk

Budget supermarket Lidl is selling a drink that could help people lower their cholesterol levels - and it's available for less than £2

Lidl is offering a health-enhancing beverage that could aid those trying to reduce their cholesterol levels. The cost-effective supermarket's Cholesterlow yoghurt drinks are packed with a crucial ingredient that could also lower the risk of fatty liver disease.

For a mere £1.99, shoppers can grab six 100g bottles of the probiotic drink in stores, available in two flavours: natural and strawberry. The beverage is concocted with a compound known as plant sterol esters, typically found in vegetable oils, nuts, chickpeas and seeds.

This substance can assist in lowering cholesterol levels by restricting the amount of cholesterol that can enter your body. Cholesterol is produced by your liver and circulates in your bloodstream. It's essential for cell building, nerve protection, and the production of vitamins and hormones.

However, an excess can be detrimental to your health. High cholesterol can lead to peripheral artery disease, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure and stroke, reports Gloucestershire Live.

It's particularly common among individuals with diabetes. High cholesterol usually doesn't present any symptoms, making it a silent menace. If left unchecked, it can lead to severe problems like heart attacks and strokes.

This hidden peril often goes undetected until it's too late, emphasising the importance of regular cholesterol checks for maintaining your health. The two main types of cholesterol are:

• Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) - LDL, often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol, can accumulate in your arteries and significantly contribute to heart disease.
• High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) - HDL, often referred to as 'good' cholesterol, plays a vital role in safeguarding your arteries and may reduce the risk of heart disease.

How do plant sterols work?

Phytosterols, which have a cell structure similar to cholesterol, can 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 results in lower cholesterol levels and improved overall health. One study discovered that plant sterols can reduce cholesterol absorption by 30-50%.

Phytosterols can help lower cholesterol levels when included in a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Research suggests 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 recommended 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.