Chest pain could signal excessive cholesterol: Can berries be your health savior?

Elevated cholesterol levels could lead to serious health issues, exacerbating conditions like heart disease and stroke.

"The danger comes into effect when the blood's fat level escalates too high. Any accumulated fats narrow the arteries and curtail blood flow. Blocked arteries may trigger warning signs such as distinctive chest pain," warns Dr. Emeka Okorocha, emphasizing that any pain should prompt an immediate medical consultation.

Despite this, Dr. Okorocha notes that chest pain may not manifest in all individuals with high cholesterol levels. The only definitive method of determining cholesterol levels continues to be a blood test.

"It's crucial to monitor cholesterol levels to avert severe problems in the future. Once high cholesterol is confirmed, the situation can be managed. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet remain the most effective measures for controlling and preventing serious diseases," advises the doctor.

Berries, particularly blueberries and blackberries, and their effect on cholesterol levels

Dr. Emeka Okorocha suggests the consumption of berries (like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, chokeberries, currants) in your diet, particularly blackberries, for significantly lowering harmful cholesterol levels.

"Blackberries are a highly recommended choice due to their richness in polyphenols, compounds that aid in reducing cholesterol accumulation and the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, they're versatile and can easily be included in your meals. They can be sprinkled on a sweet breakfast, blended into smoothies, added to a spicy dish, or simply enjoyed raw as a snack," he explains.

Dr. Okorocha is also a representative for the Love Fresh Berries campaign, which advocates for fresh berry consumption as part of a healthy diet in Britain.