A health expert says cutting out steak in your forties could help keep your cholesterol levels down and stop your blood pressure rising.

A new study from Stanford University in the United States has found that a shift in the lipid metabolism means the ability to process foods such as steak “falls off a cliff” once we hit 40. This can result in higher cholesterol levels.

The Telegraph reports : “When the body doesn’t manage cholesterol, it sits along the artery walls and clogs them. This puts more strain on the heart and so blood pressure rises.”

Scientists say once you turn 40 you should also consider cutting back on saturated fats, baked and fried goods. Although, anyone not wanting to cut steak out of their diet entirely should consider eating a smaller portion, says the Harvard Medical School.

These should be kept around 3oz and should be leaner cuts such as sirloin steaks. However, a cholesterol friendly option would be switching to a protein with lower saturated fats, such as skinless chicken.

The researchers in Stanford discovered the human body has two key points of ageing. They found “spikes” in the ageing process at 44 and 60, challenging the idea that getting older is simply a linear process.

They concluded the way the body processes food changes more in your forties. While turning 60 sees a loss in muscle mass, meaning people should shift their focus towards strength training.

Although, they did find bones get weaker in your forties, which led to a suggestion people should be doing more weight-bearing exercises such as walking or jogging. Foods that are high in vitamin D could also help slow down the signs of ageing, the researchers found.

Lead scientist Prof Michael Snyder said: “You really do want to take care of yourself as you approach these periods. Eating better will help with the drop in lipid metabolism which shows up in the 40s.

“And strength training is important, especially as you hit your 60s, when there is a loss of muscle mass. Always try to track yourself with specific check-ups, so you can make sure things are going fine during these periods.”

Source Surrey Live