Beating the 'bad' fats
Cholesterol is a fatty substance made by the body, which is transported in the blood by carriers called LDL and HDL.
LCL carries the ‘bad’ cholesterol from the liver to our cells which then take up the cholesterol they need. Any extra can build up in the blood vessel walls, narrowing arteries and potentially causing dangerous circulatory problems.
HDL, which carries the ‘good’ cholesterol, transports the excess from body tissues and takes it back to the liver. From there it’s eliminated via the intestine.
The body makes all the cholesterol we need – which is why taking extra cholesterol from fatty foods can lead to problems.
How can I keep my cholesterol levels in check?
Your doctor can easily check your cholesterol levels with a simple test. And there are plenty of ways to get yours down if you need to.
For a start, try replacing butter – a food rich in saturated fats - with margarine. Rather than being a dairy product, the oils in Flora Pro.Activ margarine come from plants and have been clinically proven to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body.
If you’re not into spreads, the Pro-Activ range also includes yogurts, milk and, for those in a real hurry, mini-drinks.
Adopting a Mediterranean-style diet is also meant to benefit those aiming to reduce their cholesterol levels. Liquid fats contain far less cholesterol than solids and a good quality olive oil, such as Bertolli, is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which your body can’t make for itself.
And, while it’s important to eat healthily, you don’t have to cut down on treats altogether. Even seemingly decadent products such as Hellmann’s mayonnaise can help cut your cholesterol, as it contains unsaturated fatty acids.
