Exploring the Effects of Plant-Based Fats for Managing Serum Cholesterol Levels.

It's commonly known that if your serum cholesterol levels are high, you should avoid consuming oil. This is because the fat content in oil, when oxidized in the blood vessels, can block them, leading to complications such as dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. However, the truth is that consuming plant-based fats low in saturated fats and rich in unsaturated fats can help regulate serum cholesterol levels and maintain clean blood vessels and blood.

 

Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and remains liquid at room temperature. This characteristic allows for slower absorption in the body, contributing to lowering total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the blood. Particularly, polyphenols found in olive oil protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies have shown that incorporating olive oil into a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease by 64%. When choosing olive oil, it's preferable to opt for "extra virgin olive oil" extracted solely by pressure without exposure to heat.

 

Having high serum cholesterol levels doesn't mean you need to abstain from all oil consumption.

 

Canola Oil

Canola oil, extracted from pressed rapeseed, is low in saturated fatty acids and rich in linolenic acid. Linolenic acid helps prevent vascular aging and atherosclerosis. Especially, high oleic acid canola oil has been proven effective in improving cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. Consumption of canola oil-containing whole wheat bread by type 2 diabetes patients resulted in decreased blood sugar levels.

 

Grape Seed Oil

Similar to olive oil, grape seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, helping regulate serum cholesterol levels. Consuming grape seed oil helps increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and decrease overall cholesterol levels. Additionally, it contains ample amounts of vitamin E, necessary for regulating cholesterol levels in the blood. When purchasing grape seed oil, it's advisable to check the oil blending ratio and choose pure products whenever possible.

 

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that promotes vascular health. Omega-3 removes cholesterol attached to blood vessel walls and prevents blood clot formation, thus preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, flaxseed oil is sensitive to temperature and requires careful storage. Improperly stored flaxseed oil may increase oxidative stress in the body and pose a risk of carcinogenesis.

 

Having high serum cholesterol levels doesn't mean you need to abstain from all oil consumption. Adequate intake of plant-based oils such as olive oil, canola oil, grape seed oil, and flaxseed oil can help regulate serum cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, excessive oil consumption can be detrimental to health, so maintaining a moderate intake is crucial. Additionally, opting for plant-based oils like olive oil during cooking and preferring pure products is recommended. Alongside a healthy diet, appropriate oil consumption can assist in managing serum cholesterol levels.