Olive oil, an ally to lower cholesterol
Did you know that olive oil, emblem of our Mediterranean diet, helps lower cholesterol and improves our cardiovascular health? The main component of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the oleic acidis a monounsaturated fatty acid that contributes to Reduce what is known as “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase the “good” (HDL).
To better understand the benefits of this oil in health, we will delve into these two terms:
- LDL cholesterol. LDL (low density lipoprotein) is considered bad cholesterol, since its high levels contribute to clogging the arteries. This lipoprotein transports cholesterol to the tissues and, when the level is high, deposits it on the walls of the arteries, producing arteriosclerosis, causing many coronary and heart disease.
- HDL cholesterol. HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) is responsible for bringing cholesterol from the arteries to the liver for removal. We know it as good cholesterol because it helps balance high LDL levels.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a substance produced by the cells of the intestine and the liver, but it is also obtained by food. Although the body requires it for its proper functioning, its excessive accumulation Along with other residues on the walls of the arteries, it can reduce blood flow, causing complications such as angina pectoris, heart attack or a cardiovascular accident.
Is olive oil bad for cholesterol?
Numerous scientific articles have shown that extra virgin olive oil is not bad for cholesterol; On the contrary, it increases the ability of HDL particles to transport the cholesterol deposited in the arterial wall that will be eliminated later.. However, other vegetable oils, such as palm and coconut oils, do help raise LDL cholesterol.
The study published by the prestigious journal Biomedicines shows that EVOO is a “healthy functional food”.
In this sense, a diet like the Mediterranean, with habitual consumption of olive oil, contributes to keeping the levels of good cholesterol high, and at low levels of the bad ones (LDL), causing coronary diseases, arteriosclerosis or strokes.
The role of olive oil in cholesterol: some recommendations
The Saturated fats They gain more and more prominence in the diet of most developed countries, contributing to one of the great health problems of the 21st century: the high cholesterol. To avoid this public health problem, Experts recommend the traditional Mediterranean diet, in which extra virgin olive oil has a distinguished place.
In addition to the balanced diet that prevents saturated fats, Spanish Heart Foundation recommends Carry out a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program to increase “good” cholesterol and reduce “bad” and triglyceride levels.
The best olive oil for our diet is extra virgin olive oil
Of course, to enjoy all the benefits of olive oil we recommend that it be the highest quality, that is, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): 100% olive juice that has not been subjected to any chemical process. Here you can discover the rest of Benefits of raw olive oil. Other oils that contribute to lowering the cholesterol index are corn or safflower.
And you, do you introduce olive oil into your diet? Enjoy its benefits in nutrition with our range of extra virgin olive oils from Aragon: IMPLERT, , ArbequinA and selection.
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