New Benna products could lower blood cholesterol levels by seven to 10 per cent within a few weeks, the company said on Thursday.

The new range includes milk and yoghurt products that contain plant sterols, a natural ingredient proven to lower cholesterol.

The range consists of a fresh skimmed milk drink in a 500ml carton, and light yoghurts sold in a two-pack carton in three different flavours: vanilla, red fruits and apple.

European Health Promotion practitioner Suzanne Piscopo said heart disease was the major cause of mortality in Malta and one of the biggest risks was an unhealthy diet.

The new line was best suited to those who already suffer from high cholesterol, Prof. Piscopo said.

The plant sterols in the product would be absorbed by the digestive system instead of cholesterol, she added, reducing the risks of heart disease and high cholesterol levels, she added.

Cholesterol is produced naturally by our bodies, but it can also be consumed through the food we eat.

At normal levels, cholesterol helps the body to function properly. However a high level of LDL-cholesterol can have a negative impact on our health as it narrows arteries and restricts blood flow, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease.

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