Thanks for the responses. Unfortunately nobody has addressed the purpose of the OP. I am not seeking dietary advice. There is a plethora of information on the internet regarding good practice for both cholesterol and blood sugar control. There are a huge number of government, diabetes organisations and other sources from all over the world with websites and articles specifically relating to diabetes and cholesterol. On the whole they all agree, the exception being the various keto diets, which appear to be yet another 吐ad idea very similar to Paleo and Atkins diets.
The reason for the OP, and as stated therein, was to enquire whether any member had suggestions for adding something (similar to the addition of cinnamon to my porridge) that had assisted them to lower either or both blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The question still stands.
A few comments on some suggestions:-
I do not need to lose weight. I have shorts and trousers bought decades ago with a 38 waist and that I still wear. The suggestion from the heart specialist at my discharge consultation was that I keep the sugar and cholesterol levels down because any long term future problems would most likely be due to either becoming diabetic or cholesterol increasing. If I kept them in check there was no reason to think I would ever have a repeat problem. I am not on any medication relating to blood sugar, but, reluctantly, I am currently on a course to help lower cholesterol. A major aim is to cease this medication. I was told the partial artery blockages were calcium and a normal ageing process expectation, nothing to do with my diet.
One to two glasses of dry red wine with dinner (about 125ml/4 US ounces per glass) is not only considered to be not a problem, it is recommended by many in the medical profession. I am presently not allowed to do anything very much by way of exercise, only short gentle walks. These are somewhat restricted due to the fact that I have four rather large cuts on one leg where they removed some vein to perform the artery bypasses. I am not allowed to lift more than one kilo (2+ pounds) and am not to raise my arms above my head, nor am I to drive. I have another month of these restrictions before I can begin to return to my normal 40 hours or thereabouts a week of physical exercise, which ranges from light to strenuous as I do my daily work around the farm. My three meals a day are normally taken about 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7.30 to 8 p.m. so there is a natural fasting period broken with 澱reak fast?
We do not eat any pre-prepared foods. The only processed food is the occasional slice of bacon or ham. We have always had a low salt, low sugar and high fibre diet. My wife does not add any salt or sugar to meals she prepares, but of course there are some naturally in foods. The only oil she ever uses is our own extra virgin olive oil. I do not drink any soft drinks. The reason I mentioned my wife being trained in nutrition was not to claim she was an expert nutritionist, but to show that she understood about dietary requirements in general and the contents of purchased groceries. It is indeed a long time since she trained, but her knowledge is up to date, and has been refreshed over the last few weeks as she has sought sources of information to assist her when I returned home. As stated, there is a lot of info out there.
The porridge I have for breakfast is simply rolled whole oats with nothing added. As mentioned in the OP I now add cinnamon as I have seen several references to it being useful in relation to lowering sugar levels. On that note, my readings in hospital were as high as 274 with many in the 230 to 260 range. I was an inpatient for 4 weeks and tested up to 3 times a day. Anything over 200 warranted an insulin shot. Since returning home and porridge every morning, I have never reached 200. Porridge is also widely recommended for general heart health and cholesterol lowering.
