Benefit of olive oil cholesterol lowering?

QUESTION: I know olive oil is healthy, I often use it as salad dressing. How can olive oil lower cholesterol levels? What is the best choice between the various types of olive oil?


ANSWER: Hi there,

Olive oil is used since the ancient times, not only to satisfy people's teeth but for its healing properties also.

The researches have moved on and found the properties inside olive oil which make it so special, delicious and healthy too.

The main worthy component are monounsaturated fats, which are very good and lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

Another component is antioxidants, which stop the oxidation process (that leads to atherosclerotic plaque, causing narrowing of arteries).

There are four main types of olive oil:

1 - Pure olive oil
2 - Extra light olive oil
3 - Virgin olive oil
4 - Extra-virgin olive oil

The four of them are rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. The most recommended (especially for those who want to lower their cholesterol numbers) is extra virgin olive oil.

This is because this type is considered as "least-processed" one. Anyway go ahead with any of them, if you want to stay healthy.

Take care!

Dr.Alba