Nhs gp follows one simple diet that helps to lower cholesterol and cancer risk

Dr Hilary Jones, TV doctor and NHS GP, has revealed he follows the Mediterranean diet to stay in good health. The diet includes a range of healthy foods including; whole grains, fruits,

vegetables, fish, beans, and nuts, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil, all of which offer varied health benefits. Giving an insight into his go-to foods, the 71-year-old shared: "I

do like the Mediterranean diet so lean meats, chicken, poultry, with some roast vegetables, I really like that, but I have a varied diet. I like all sorts of things, I like a good curry,

luckily I like fruit and veg." The doctor said he also tends to avoid "too much confectionary" such as biscuits, although would tuck into them as an occasional treat.

"But yeah the Mediterranean diet suits me," he added. "It's tasty, it's satisfying and I don't have a lot of ready meals, because I find them too...

they're nice, but too salty, too processed." Highlighting further benefits of the Mediterranean diet, he added: "It's got all the ingredients of natural fruit and veg,

and they don't overdo the sauces, they rely on natural flavours, so they don't add gallons of salad cream or tomato ketchup to everything. They tend to eat meat in small

quantities." Experts say with the diet focused on natural high-fibre foods and less saturated fats, it can help lower the risk of many health issues such as high cholesterol. Dr Hilary

stresses that with unhealthy cholesterol having no symptoms, it's important to be mindful of your diet before it's too late. "The things that increase cholesterol would be too

much saturated fat in your diet and a diet that is too reliant on carbohydrates," he shared. "So, you will produce too much cholesterol if your diet is unhealthy. Most of the

cholesterol in your body you make yourself in your liver, the rest comes from your diet, but nevertheless, you can reduce your blood cholesterol significantly by monitoring your diet."

WHAT IS THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET? The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that is inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece,

Italy, and Spain. It is widely recognised for its health benefits and is often ranked as one of the healthiest diets in the world. Rather than being a strict "diet" in the sense of

calorie counting or restriction, the Mediterranean diet is a lifestyle approach to healthy eating. Among the key components are: * Plant-based foods with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils), and nuts. * Healthy fats like olive oil * Fish * Minimal processed foods * Meals flavoured with fresh herbs, spices, garlic and lemon juice WHY IS IT

GOOD FOR YOU? As well as being shown to help cholesterol, studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of several cancer types. Data from a Harvard study,

published in August 2023, found that it can lower the risk of dying from any type by 28 percent. More specifically, the British Journal of Cancer has suggested that women who eat a

Mediterranean diet could cut their risk of womb cancer by more than half (57 per cent). According to health website Zoe, another study concluded that people with advanced skin cancer who

follow the Mediterranean diet may respond better to treatment. Some of the ingredients in the popular diet can also help aid weight loss, according to Everyday Health. NHS ADVICE ON

MEDITERRANEAN DIET The NHS supports the Mediterranean diet and, on their website, name a number of health benefits, including: * Weight loss – plants are naturally lower in calories and high

in fibre, which helps you feel fuller for longer * Reduced risk of having a heart attack or stroke – replacing saturated fat, found mostly in meat and dairy, with healthier fats in nuts and

olive oil, lowers your cholesterol levels. This is good for your heart and blood vessels * Diabetes – eating a diet rich in plants can help prevent type 2 diabetes. For people with diabetes

(type 1, type 2 and gestational), it can help lower blood glucose levels and may allow them to reduce their medication * Reduced blood pressure * Lower risk of developing certain cancers -

bowel, breast, prostate, stomach, bladder, head and neck, lung and pancreatic cancer * Lower risk of developing dementia * Better balance of good gut bacteria, which can lead to better

digestion * Improved mood and mental health Separately, Dr Hilary is supporting NHS England’s Help Us, Help You campaign, that encourages people to get checked if they're worried about

any abnormal change to the body, as finding cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives. This initiative comes as new data shows that only half of people (50%) say booking an

appointment with their GP would be the first thing they’d do if they noticed a change in their body which might be a sign of cancer – despite this being the NHS recommendation. Separately,

more than four in 10 people (42%) would not contact their GP about an unexplained lump anywhere on their body, while nearly half of people (49%) also did not recognise unexplained weight

loss as a potential sign of cancer. Dr Hilary added: “We know that many people worry about symptoms that could be cancer but may put off getting themselves checked out. But remember, finding

cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives, so I’d urge you to contact your GP practice if something doesn’t feel right in your body. To rule out cancer, your GP may refer you

for further tests. Whatever the result, the NHS is here for you.”