This breakfast has been hailed as a 'superfood' by nutrition experts - and it's something you can easily make at home. Porridge is one of the simplest breakfast meals and it's one of the best.

A new study by the University of Bonn found that moderate consumption, even for just two days, was associated with significant decreases in cholesterol levels. Participants in the study were all diagnosed with either excess body weight, high blood pressure or hyperlipidemia and were asked to eat just porridge over the course of two days.

Those who consumed only porridge diets saw significant benefits with nearly a 10 per cent drop in LDL cholesterol - LDL is typically referred to as the "bad" type of cholesterol, as excess LDL can lead to plaque formation and other cardiovascular complications. HDL, is known as "good" cholesterol.

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Those who consumed only porridge diets saw significant benefits with nearly a 10 per cent drop in LDL cholesterol - LDL is typically referred to as the "bad" type of cholesterol, as excess LDL can lead to plaque formation and other cardiovascular complications. HDL, is known as "good" cholesterol.

Foods like such as porridge, whole grain cereals, high protein supplements and other heart healthy products have soared in popularity over the last decade thanks to an increased awareness around diets and heathy choices. Porridge has several benefits as it's a valuable source of numerous vitamins, antioxidants and fibre.

It's also believed that the biochemical composition of the grain can help improve the gut microbiome in addition to reducing blood glucose levels as well. Given its high fibre content, porridge also creates a sense of satiety, meaning that those eating it will feel full for longer.

Alongside porridge, studies show that a healthy diet, as well as frequent exercise can promote significant reductions of heart attacks. Well balanced diets with and moderate exercise three to five times a week has also indicated significant benefits.

Even though there are a wide variety of oats for porridge including including rolled, quick and instant, The British Heart Foundation said regardless of the type, shape or size, all porridge oats are whole grains and contain a soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which can help lower your cholesterol levels if you have 3g or more of it daily, as part of a healthy diet.

As they are high in fibre, eating plenty of it is linked with a wide range of health benefits, including a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A 40g serving of oats provides around 3g of fibre, or 7.5g per 100g, which meets the requirements for a 'high fibre' food (at least 6g per 100g). People who survive heart attacks have a greater chance living longer if they increase how much fibre they have.

While instant porridge is still a healthy option, experts warn to stay away from flavoured or sweetened version as they generally contain added sugars. The added sugars and calories in these types of porridge mean they are not healthy options for weight loss or for people with diabetes.

Whichever porridge you choose, make it with low-fat milk or water to keep the calories down and minimise saturated fat, especially if you are trying to lower your cholesterol levels or weight loss is one of your health goals.