Regardless of the type, olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, containing about 75% by volume. When substituted for saturated fat, monounsaturated fats help lower your "bad" LDL cholesterol. The health benefits of olive oil have been attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2019 analysis summarized the findings of 27 studies on the effect of olive oil on cholesterol. It concluded that olive oil consumption decreased total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and increased HDL more than other plant oils.
In summary, olive oil can raise your levels of healthy cholesterol while reducing the LDL cholesterol which is harmful to the body. That's why we always recommend consuming at least two tablespoons of Carapelli EVOO per day, ensuring excellent cardiovascular health to add to the ultimate delight of consuming this oil.
It's also important to consider the saturated fats in oils since they can cause cholesterol build-up. For example, coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil contain saturated fat that can increase so-called “bad” cholesterol.
Here's the bottom line: extra-virgin olive oil is perfectly safe to cook with. It stands up well to heat due to its monunsaturated fatty acid and phenolic compounds content and fares much better than other vegetable oils. It's a great oil to eat both in taste and health and shouldn't be avoided.
First of all, it can be expensive. Plus, it has a relatively low smoke point, which, according to food scientist Harold McGee, is the "temperature at which a fat breaks down into visible gaseous products." That breakdown can ruin the taste of foods.
Another AHA-approved cooking oil, sunflower oil is high in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fat. Research shows that opting for sunflower oil rather than an oil high in saturated fat could lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Chicken eggs are an affordable source of protein and other nutrients. They're also naturally high in cholesterol. But the cholesterol in eggs doesn't seem to raise cholesterol levels the way some other foods, such as those high in trans fats and saturated fats, do.
Olive oil actually has a relatively high smoke point and is a safe, reliable option for frying. On top of that, it is one of the healthiest cooking staples around. Olive oil has been named “the healthiest fat on Earth,” in part because of its unique ability to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Nutrition and cooking experts agree that one of the most versatile and healthy oils to cook with and eat is olive oil, as long as it's extra virgin. “You want an oil that is not refined and overly processed,” says Howard. An “extra virgin” label means that the olive oil is not refined, and therefore of high quality.
Olive oil is a healthy source of fat. When used as part of a healthy and balanced diet, olive oil can be good for you. Olive oil is often linked with good heart health due to its role in the Mediterranean diet and can contain substances that have been linked to health benefits.
A recent study funded by the butter industry gave further confirmation that butter increases both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol), especially when compared with olive oil as an alternative.
Keep cheese portions small and weigh them to reduce temptation. Using lower-fat cheeses – such as mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese or reduced-fat cheeses – will provide less saturated fat.
Scientists around the world simultaneously showed that saturated fat—the kind in butter and lard—increases both “bad” LDL cholesterol and “good” HDL cholesterol, making it similar to carbohydrates overall but not as beneficial to health as polyunsaturated fats from nuts and vegetables.
The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will gives one a healthy body and good immune system.
While coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. The diterpenes in coffee suppress the body's production of substances involved in cholesterol breakdown, causing cholesterol to increase. Specifically, coffee diterpenes may cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels.
Aside from high-quality extra virgin olive oil being well suited for deep frying, it's also a great way to impart flavor and keep it healthier. Chef Dory Ford of Aqua Terra Culinary deep fries with extra virgin olive oil because, as he says, “It's a more healthful way of cooking.”