An Affordable Product To Lower Cholesterol Has Been Named
- 31.08.2026, 8:27
It's worth adding it to your diet.
Keeping your cholesterol in check doesn’t necessarily mean buying expensive foods or completely changing your usual diet. One affordable ingredient works well in a wide variety of dishes—from curries to salads.
We’re talking about chickpeas. As reported by The Mirror, nutrition expert Lucy Kershaw from Nature’s Best has named them one of the affordable foods that can be included in a diet aimed at maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
That said, chickpeas themselves do not directly lower cholesterol levels. However, they can help replace foods that are high in saturated fat, thereby making your diet more conducive to maintaining normal cholesterol levels.
Kershaw explained: “Some types of red and processed meats, including sausages, bacon, and ham, can be high in saturated fat. If consumed in excess, they can contribute to higher cholesterol levels.”
According to the expert, some of these foods can be replaced with plant-based protein sources, including chickpeas, beans, and lentils. “This is an easy way to reduce your intake of saturated fat,” Kershaw noted. She also added that canned chickpeas and other legumes are inexpensive and convenient to use, while dried legumes can be purchased in bulk for just a few pounds.
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) notes that excessive consumption of saturated fats can raise levels of low-density lipoproteins, or “bad” cholesterol, in the blood and increase the risk of heart disease. The NHS guidelines also state that adding vegetables and legumes to meals helps reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet.
Chickpeas are a type of legume and are naturally low in fat, while also being a source of fiber and protein. The NHS notes that legumes—including beans, peas, and lentils—are naturally low in fat and high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
The British charity HEART UK also classifies chickpeas as a plant-based protein source suitable for a cholesterol-conscious diet. Along with other types of beans and lentils, the organization recommends regularly including legumes in a healthy diet. One serving is roughly equivalent to half a large can of chickpeas after draining the liquid.
Inexpensive chickpeas don’t require complicated preparation and are easy to add to everyday meals. Kershaw recommends using them in sauces, dips, curries, and casseroles. Chickpeas can also be roasted and then added to salads or stir-fry dishes.