A five-ingredient sandwich which takes minutes to prepare can help lower cholesterol.

The healthy and filling lunch option can help those with the condition, which describes an excess of fatty deposits in the blood arteries.

Those diagnosed with the high cholesterol were urged to alter their eating habits to protect themselves from life-threatening cardiac or brain events.

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Heart UK has revealed one of the best lunch sandwiches those with high cholesterol can enjoy – cheese and walnut butties.

To make the sarnie, you need two slices of wholemeal, granary or rye bread, 30g low-fat cheese spread, three finely chopped walnuts, a finely diced quarter stick of celery and black pepper.

The cheese should be spread on both slices of bread, and one side should be seasoned with the pepper, with a sprinkle the walnuts on top.

Celery can then be added before the other slice of bread is placed on top of the other to make a sandwich.

According to the NHS, simple dietary swaps can have a significant impact on cholesterol levels, SurreyLive reports.

Foods rich in saturated fats should be substituted for foods rich in unsaturated fats – and these foods should be avoided.

  • Pies, sausages and fatty meat

  • Butter, lard and ghee

  • Cream and hard cheese, like cheddar

  • Cakes and biscuits

  • Food that contains coconut oil or palm oil

Instead, people should eat more of the following foods:

  • Oily fish, like mackerel and salmon

  • Olive oil, rapeseed oil and spreads made from these oils

  • Brown rice, wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Fruits and vegetables

Quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol and exercising also help lower cholesterol levels.

The NHS advises people to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, which could be in the form of brisk walks, cycling, or swimming.