Mediterranean diet breakfast Susanna Reid eats that cuts cholesterol and keeps her full

Susanna Reid is a household name that many people will wake up to on TV. She has presented Good Morning Britain for years alongside the likes of Piers Morgan, Ben Shephard, Kate Garraway, Richard Madeley and Ed Balls. She often has to start her day during the early morning hours to get ready for her time in the ITV studio.

Such a demanding job must require a precise and balanced morning routine. The mum-of-three told Asda Good Living that she starts her very early morning off with a light snack-style breakfast followed by a fuller meal once she clocks off for the day.

She said: "My alarm goes off at 4am and I’m at work for 4.20am. At 5am I have a black coffee and chopped-up apples with peanut butter, which keeps me going until I get home at 9.30am. My second breakfast is always rye toast, poached eggs and avocado. Once I’m off air, I’m ravenous!"

The combination of eggs, avocado and toast make for a very nutritious meal. Anyone looking to keep high cholesterol in check should consider adding some avocado to their diet.

The 54-year-old broadcaster will be reaping the benefits of the cholesterol-free fruit that is rich in monounsaturated fats (known as the healthy kind). This is what grants avocado the ability to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.

In fact, studies show that incorporating avocados into the diet, especially when replacing saturated fats like butter, can lead to a reduction in LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol. Though the flavour and texture may be an acquired taste for some, avocados are versatile and can be used in many different dishes. You could add avocados to a lunchtime salad or simply spoon it right out of the skin.

Anyone trying to lose weight, incorporating avocados into their diet can be beneficial, too. Their rich supply of healthy fats and fibre promotes a sense of satiety, aiding in the reduction of total calorie consumption. Research has indicated that adding avocados to your meals may help maintain or even lower body weight.

Avocados are an excellent source of vitamin E, which can help diminish the visible effects of ageing. They also provide vitamin A, crucial for proper cell repair.

Research conducted in 2011 revealed that avocados contain compounds that may help protect the skin from sun damage and inflammation. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can contribute to wrinkles and other signs of ageing, as well as heighten the risk of skin cancer.

Avocados are a popular component of the Mediterranean diet. The diet emphasises plant-based foods and healthy fats, promoting a rich intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Avocados are also embraced by numerous celebrities. Penélope Cruz has mentioned her preference for this diet, noting its resemblance to the cuisine she enjoys in Spain. Additionally, Victoria Beckham is said to consume three to four avocados each day.

Another cholesterol-lowering component to the dish is the rye bread. Typically made with flour, yeast, and water, this is a cholesterol-free food that also boasts a high fibre content - a trait that helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Any form of soluble fibre can help lower LDL cholesterol levels by reducing its absorption into the bloodstream. Soluble fibre - found in foods like oats, beans, and fruits - binds with cholesterol and helps remove it from the body, says the Mayo Clinic.

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The NHS states that high cholesterol is caused when you have too much cholesterol, a fatty substance, in your blood. This can put you at an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes because vital blood vessels become blocked.

High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms and you can only find out if you have it from a blood test. Most people over the age of 40 should be invited for a cholesterol check as part of the NHS Health Check, but you can request a check with your GP regardless of age if you are concerned.

If you're managing your cholesterol, eggs are generally speaking, OK as part of a healthy, balanced diet for most people, claims Heart UK. Eggs do contain cholesterol in the yolk - but this is not thought to have a significant effect on blood cholesterol- provided these aren't eaten to excess.

The website adds: "It’s much more important to limit the amount of saturated fat you eat [as] too much saturated fat can raise the cholesterol in your blood. So, most people can eat eggs as long as they are eaten as part of an overall healthy, balanced diet that is low in saturated fat."