What should you know about Mediterranean diet for high cholesterol?

The eating pattern centres on vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, seeds and olive oil, with fish and other lean proteins chosen regularly. These foods provide fibre and mostly unsaturated fats. Butter, fatty meats, processed meats, pastries and foods made with partially hardened fats are used less often. High cholesterol usually causes no clear symptoms, so dietary changes should be followed with a clinician's plan rather than judged by how you feel. A cholesterol test measures blood lipids and helps show whether the overall plan is working.

Build meals around vegetables and pulses, swap refined grains for whole grains, and choose olive oil or other unsaturated oils instead of butter. Select nuts without heavy added salt, and choose grilled or baked fish more often than processed meat. Read labels for saturated fat, and change one meal at a time so the routine is realistic. A dietitian can adapt portions and food choices to diabetes, kidney disease, allergies, cultural meals and weight goals. Do not stop a prescribed statin or other medicine because your diet has improved.

Arrange a cholesterol review after the interval your clinician recommends, especially if you have a family history of early heart disease or other cardiovascular risks. Seek emergency help for chest pressure, sudden weakness on one side, trouble speaking, or severe breathlessness. These symptoms may indicate conditions such as angina or stroke and should not be managed with food changes alone.

Ask which cholesterol result needs attention, when to repeat testing, what dietary target fits your health conditions, and whether medicine is recommended alongside lifestyle changes. Ask for a referral to nutrition counselling if planning meals feels difficult.