Blueberries are a great addition to your diet - especially if you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol. If you need to make some major diet changes to slash your harmful levels of cholesterol, this small but mighty fruit could help in a number of ways.

High cholesterol is when too much of the fatty substance builds up in your bloodstream. Too much cholesterol can block vital blood vessels and arteries, making you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke.

Doctors may suggest some patients take medicine (like statins), and incorporate exercise into their daily lives to combat high cholesterol. Another major factor is eating healthily and swapping poor foods like fatty meats, butter, cakes and biscuits for alternatives - like fruit and vegetables, where possible.

In their raw form, blueberries are already great at combating cholesterol.Studies have found that these tiny purple fruits can help cut down on 'bad' cholesterol levels due to their high fibre content and the presence of certain bioactive compounds.

They are a good source of soluble fibre, which helps the body eliminate cholesterol as waste instead of allowing it to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Blueberries also contain anthocyanins  the compound which gives blueberries their characteristic purple appearance -  that may help prevent cholesterol from being oxidised.

Blueberries also contain phytosterols, plant-derived compounds that naturally lower cholesterol through your body's digestion process. As your body digests these compounds, some cholesterol breaks down as a waste product. That can lead to a reduction in lipid levels in your bloodstream and support improved heart health.

Studies have shown that blueberry intake, including juice, can lead to a decline in LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol. Eating blueberries regularly may also contribute to overall cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure, which is another risk factor for heart disease, according to WebMD. 

And, these benefits do not disappear once they're juiced either. According to the University of Illinois, blueberry juice offers a quick and refreshing way to add this superfood into your morning routine. Experts state: "Drinking blueberry juice is a far more appetising way to incorporate these vital antioxidants and phytosterols into your diet than taking supplements.

"However, and luckily, this juice is now more readily available in health food stores. You can drink it in lieu of orange juice in the morning to work it into your everyday routine, or you might consider adding it to a fruit and vegetable smoothie to energise your day with a jolt of healthy vitamins, minerals, and nutrients."

If you're looking to switch up you usual glass of morning fruit juice, then you could opt for blueberry juice. It's not that hard to get hold of, with Tesco selling it for £1.35 for a 1-litre pack (working out at 14p per 100ml glass).

Whilst blueberries are generally safe to eat, some people may experience side effects, especially when consuming large quantities. Some have experienced digestive issues like diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, as well as potential allergic reactions, so it's always best to consume this fruit (and its juice) in moderation. Avoid drinking juice with added sugar, too, as too much can negate its cholesterol-lowering properties. 

The NHS has lots of help, guidance and support for those who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. You can find out more from the official website here.