The main type of fat found in all kinds of olive oil is
monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). MUFAs are actually considered a
healthy dietary fat. If your diet replaces saturated and trans fats with
unsaturated fats such as MUFAs and polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), you
may gain certain health benefits.
MUFAs and PUFAs may help lower your risk of heart disease by
improving related risk factors. For instance, MUFAs have been found to
lower your total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
levels. MUFAs may also help normalize blood clotting. And some research
shows that MUFAs may also benefit insulin levels and blood sugar
control, which can be especially helpful if you have type 2 diabetes.
But even healthier fats like olive oil are high in calories, so use
them only in moderation. Choose MUFA-rich foods such as olive oil in
place of other fatty foods — particularly butter and stick margarine —
not in addition to them. And remember that you can't make unhealthy
foods healthier simply by adding olive oil to them.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments will be published only in exceptional circumstances