A waxy substance found in the blood called cholesterol commonly referred to as lipids or blood fat, aids in the development of strong cell membranes. While there are two types of cholesterol—good and bad—high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), it's critical to maintain a healthy balance between the two to reduce the risk of heart disease.
High cholesterol levels can cause plaque to accumulate in the arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or cardiac arrest.
High cholesterol is attributed by experts to a bad diet, binge drinking, smoking, and insufficient exercise. Among these, diet is one of the most crucial elements that, by making a few easy modifications to what you eat and avoid, can greatly lessen the risk. Fats are another key macronutrient that has a significant impact on cholesterol risk.
How Do Fats Increase Cholesterol Risk?
Similar to cholesterol, there are beneficial and bad types of fats. Saturated and trans fats are linked to weight gain, obesity, and metabolic diseases, whereas unsaturated fats are linked to a healthier heart and improved body mass index (BMI). Choosing the proper type of cooking oil is the first step in cholesterol management.
According to a study in The Journal of Nutrition, palm oil is one of the worst kinds for cholesterol since it contains a lot of saturated fat, which can considerably increase the harmful lipid level.
Other high-saturated fat sources that are not advised for people with high cholesterol were also included by Harvard Health. They advise consuming these in moderation. It contains:
Coconut Oil
Salted Butter
Ice Creams
Red Meat
Other oils that are high in saturated fats include:
Walnut Oil
Flax Oil
Fish Oil
Algae Oil
Healthy Alternatives of Cooking Oil for Cholesterol Patients:
For patients struggling with high cholesterol, experts recommend replacing palm oil and butter with these healthier varieties:
Rapeseed Oil
Sunflower Oil
Flaxseed Oil
Sunflower Seed
According to experts, maintaining a healthy heart depends on making intelligent decisions both when harmful lipid levels are high and on a regular basis to stop cholesterol from rising in the first place.
