?Does olive oil lower cholesterol levels
We all know that high levels of cholesterol in the blood increase the risk of health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats can raise levels of bad LDL cholesterol.
This article introduces us to research on the effects of olive oil on cholesterol, to find out scientifically whether the saying “olive oil lowers cholesterol levels” is a myth or a reality.
?What is cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is essential for body function and helps with hormone production, vitamin D absorption, and food digestion. The body produces all the cholesterol it needs to function well. However, high cholesterol can lead to the formation of plaques on the arteries, which block blood flow and cause blockages in the blood vessels.
There are 3 different types of cholesterol:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as the good cholesterol because it transports cholesterol throughout the body to the liver. The liver then filters the cholesterol out of the body.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is bad cholesterol and it comes from high levels of LDL that can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries.
Very harmful low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) carries triglycerides and contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries.
?Can olive oil lower bad cholesterol
A medical analysis that studied the effect of olive oil on cholesterol concluded that consuming olive oil lowers total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and increases HDL more than other vegetable oils.
Also, another analysis indicated the importance of a person's overall diet in helping to lower cholesterol. The authors concluded that the effect of lowering LDL is mainly caused by following a Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of olive oil. Researchers have observed beneficial increases in HDL cholesterol from consuming olive oil, which is rich in polyphenols, which are plant compounds rich in antioxidants and have various health benefits.
The best way to consume olive oil
You can consume olive oil in several ways:
Sprinkle it on salads or cooked vegetables
Use it with hummus or mutabal
Fry the vegetables with it
Spread it on meat or fish before grilling or roasting
Use it in place of butter in baking recipes
Sprinkle it on pasta dishes
It has been proven in scientific research that sprinkling olive oil on foods with a high glycemic index, such as pasta dishes, can reduce the rise in blood sugar in people with type 1 diabetes.
So, to finish our article, it has become clear that the saying “olive oil lowers cholesterol levels” is not true, but consuming it is one of the best things you can do to protect your body from heart disease, diabetes, and more!
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