A potent cholesterol fighter
CHOLESTEROL is a fatty substance that circulates in the bloodstream. It is produced naturally in the body and may also come from the food we eat, such as eggs, meats and dairy foods.
There are two types of cholesterols – the bad LDL-cholesterol and the good HDL-cholesterol.
Too much LDL-cholesterol in the blood can cause the formation of plaque and clogging of arteries which may put you at risk of coronary heart diseases and stroke. On the other hand, HDL-cholesterol helps flush out the excessive bad cholesterol to the liver for disposal.
Overweight individuals are more likely to have high cholesterol levels. Thin people, how- ever, can get high cholesterol too. Those with a family history of high cholesterol levels are at higher risk of getting it.
Lifestyle factors such as eating a high-fat diet, sedentary lifestyles, smoking and regular alcohol consumption can all elevate cholesterol levels.
No matter what the causes are, it is imperative to get the cholesterol levels under control. Adopting a healthy diet, coupled with lifestyle changes, can help reduce your cholesterol levels.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the average intake of fat should be 30% of the total daily calories. This fat intake should consist of balanced fat, which provides nutrients that are essential to sustaining a healthy life.
A balanced fat intake should contain approximately 30% saturated fat, 33% polyunsaturated fat (containing essential fatty acids) and 37% monounsaturated fat.
Among all fats, rice bran oil (RBO) has the most balanced fatty acid profile that is close to the AHA recommendations.
In Japan, RBO is popularly known as the “heart oil”, owing