-dense, packed with vitamins and minerals (including vitamin C, which is missing from rice and pasta) almost entirely fat- and cholesterol-free. Served in their skins, potatoes are also a great source of fibre.If you're craving chips, go for a healthier

blood cholesterol. As a fitness enthusiast, you should be interested in fish oil for a different reason: its anti-inflammatory action. An omega-3 fatty acid supplement of 1 to 1 1/2 grams a day may reduce joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

. The pigment that gives beetroot its deep purple colour, betacyanin, is a particularly powerful antioxidant that can help lower your cholesterol and keep your heart healthy.Preparation time: 65 minutesServes: 8+250g plain cooked or vacuum packed beetroot

advice to limit your egg intake after researchers found that, unless you serve them dripping in cooking oil, eggs actually had next to no effect on blood cholesterol levels.Preparation time: 5 minutesServes: 2 200g fat-free Greek yoghurt 1 small garlic

. They're a particularly good source of fibre, low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Squashes are also a good source of calcium – good news for runners, who endure a high level of impact through hard-working knee and hip joints.Cook: Squashes are tough

.Proof positivePositive thinking is the most straightforward way to achieve running longevity. A study at Yale University showed that having an optimistic outlook could extend a person's life by 7 1/2 years. Lower blood pressure and cholesterol were also noted

such as sprinting. As an added benefit, creatine supplements taken over several weeks may boost levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. And since men typically have lower HDL levels than women, this possible benefit of creatine increases its appeal to male athletes

amount of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol, I’m 5ft 4ins, weigh 8st 12lb and have a resting heart rate of 49 – so why do I feel so lethargic?A The symptoms that you report are very difficult to diagnose, but are not uncommon in people your age. You appear

." Here's how to upgrade your usual fare with nutritious ingredients.Boost smoothiesAdd unsweetened cocoa powderCocoa powder is rich in flavonoids, the antioxidants that reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. They also protect skin against sun damage

and biscuits tastier; and it lets cooks fry pound after pound of chips without smoking up their kitchens. But trans fat has been shown to have a horrific effect on our bodies: It raises our LDL (bad) cholesterol, ­lowers our HDL (good) cholesterol