What is cholesterol?
Blood Cholesterol is a type of fat-like substance found in your body that plays important roles in keeping you healthy. It’s a natural part of your body's makeup and among other things, it is used to build cell membranes, produce hormones, and aid in digestion. Correct levels of cholesterol are good for you.
It is not necessary to add cholesterol to your diet because you are capable of producing all the cholesterol you need for essential physiological functions. Cholesterol is synthesized primarily in the liver, and the body can regulate its production based on internal needs. Dietary cholesterol "in your body comes from foods from animals. For example, meat, poultry and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol." [1]
What is Cholesterol? An informative chart from the American Heart Association [2]
Balanced & regulation of cholesterol
As with every other compound found in the human body it is very important to focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil. This dietary approach, along with regular physical activity and other lifestyle factors, can help support overall health and maintain optimal cholesterol levels in the body.
Cholesterol is not a bad "guy." It's the balance and regulation of cholesterol levels that are important for your health. If you eat correctly and maintain a good lifestyle your body should be able to regulate levels of cholesterol and have it perform as it is meant to do. [3]
Incorporating EVOO into your diet can lower LDL & increase HDL
Did you know that Incorporating EVOO into your diet as a primary fat source can be an effective strategy for improving lipid profiles and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
It's true!
Research suggests that the monounsaturated fats in EVOO, particularly oleic acid, can help lower too high levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (so-called "bad" cholesterol) in the bloodstream. It has been shown to reduce the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver thereby decreasing its concentration in the blood.
“EVOO, also colloquially known as “liquid gold” is a natural product of unquestionable value and not only in the monetary sense of the term but also for its recognized properties and advantages on health.” [5]
The monounsaturated fats in EVOO also play a role in transporting excess LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver for processing and elimination. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)—the "good" cholesterol—levels are often increased by consuming extra virgin olive oil, and most especially when it is high phenolic. HDL then acts as a scavenger, picking up LDL cholesterol and transporting it back to the liver.
More to come in future posts about cholesterol & how EVOO affects it
As we shall see in subsequent posts where we delve deeper into HDL, LDL, the Mediterranean Diet, lifestyle choices, and high-phenolic EVOO among other things, extra virgin olive oil is super cool stuff and can impact your body in many positive ways.
High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil from PJ Kabos
PJ Kabos Family Reserve—Robust (Black Bottle)
PJ Kabos Family Reserve Organic—Medium Taste (White Bottle)
PJ Kabos Family Reserve—Medium Taste (White Tin)
PJ KABOS is a top, on-line seller of High-Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It is: "For those who want to be good to their bodies."
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding your health and medical conditions.
[1] American Heart Association. (n.d.). What is Cholesterol? American Heart Association. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol
[2] ibid.
[3] Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic disorder characterized by abnormally high levels of cholesterol in the blood from birth is something different. Although once again, lifestyle modifications, such as a heart-healthy diet and regular physical activity, as well as medications to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications is needed in this case too.
[4] American Heart Association. (n.d.). What is Cholesterol? American Heart Association. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol
[5] Cecilia Jimenez-Lopez, Maria Carpena, Catarina Lourenço-Lopes, Maria Gallardo-Gomez, Jose M. Lorenzo, Francisco J. Barba, Miguel A. Prieto, and Jesus Simal-Gandara (2020). Bioactive Compounds and Quality of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. PMC PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7466243/
){kind=link}