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.
Olive oil is packed full of beneficial antioxidants that can lower your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol while leaving your "good" (HDL) cholesterol untouched.
A few small swaps can make a big difference to your cholesterol level. Many people say they don't notice the difference. Try: swapping butter to vegetable oil spreads like sunflower, olive or rapeseed oil spreads.
Olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, is a good choice when looking for a healthful alternative to butter and margarine. It is full of antioxidants and can reduce cholesterol and inflammation, as well as improve blood sugar control.
Olive oil and butter both increase your HDL cholesterol as well, but not to the same level. Your Cholesterol to HDL Ratio is another indicator of heart health.
Bottom line: Olive, canola and safflower oils are healthier choices overall than butter and most margarines. Use them as replacements for butter and margarine in most of your cooking, but watch the amounts – those fat calories can add up fast.
Nuttelex is virtually free from trans fats at 0.4% or lower. Nuttelex also contains 65% or less saturated fat than butter. In addition, Nuttelex is made with vegetable oils. Vegetable oils contain higher content of the good fats (monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat) and are lower in saturated fat.
That's Benecol®. Our buttery spreads - and now our mouth-watering Soft Chews - contain a plant-based ingredient that actually lowers cholesterol. Adding plant stanols each day with Benecol® Products is a healthy way to reduce your cholesterol - even if you're already taking prescription drugs like statins.
Add sprouts or spinach instead of lettuce. Rather than your traditional tomato, add sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, black olives, a slice of avocado or onion to your next sandwich fare.
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.
Salmon sandwiches/wraps are a great option because salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to increase good cholesterol (HDL). Chicken and tuna are good filling choices too, because they are low in saturated fat, so will help to keep cholesterol low.
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.
Avocados. Avocados are a potent source of nutrients as well as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Research suggests that adding an avocado a day to a heart-healthy diet can help improve LDL cholesterol levels in people who are overweight or obese.
Limit foods high in saturated fat.
Saturated fats come from animal products (such as cheese, fatty meats, and dairy desserts) and tropical oils (such as palm oil). Foods that are higher in saturated fat may be high in cholesterol.
Margarine often tops butter when it comes to heart health. Margarine is a blend of oils that are mostly unsaturated fat.
“Applesauce lends a natural sweetness, as well as extra moisture,” says Poulson. Compared with butter, applesauce is far lower in calories and has no fat; it also adds a few grams of fiber and some potassium. For 1 cup of butter, substitute ½ cup applesauce and a ½ cup oil, she recommends.
I have cholesterol issues, can Nuttelex help? All products in the Nuttelex range are cholesterol-free, they are made with naturally cholesterol free vegetable oils.
Straight chain saturated fats, such copha, and trans fats make foods hard at room temperature (think lard). They also increase blood cholesterol and adversely affect your arteries.
Light margarine contains less saturated and trans fat than regular margarine. A spread with heart-healthy plant sterols or stanols; 2 grams per day can help lower LDL cholesterol if your diet is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. This light margarine has fewer calories and fat than regular margarine.
Compared to butter and margarine, olive oil spreads contain less saturated fat and more monounsaturated fat, which is known to help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. In addition, they are a rich source of antioxidants, which can protect against inflammation and oxidative damage.
Flora ProActiv spreads and drinks contain plant sterols which are natural substances that have powerful cholesterol reducing properties. Consuming 1.5g to 2.4g of plant sterols per day can lower cholesterol by 7-10% in 2-3 weeks*.
Flora has less saturated fat than butter. All around the world, health experts recommend that you should reduce your intake of saturated fats and eat more 'good fats' that is, Omega 3 and 6, which help to maintain normal cholesterol levels. Flora is made with nutritious seed oils that are packed with Omega 3 and 6.