Cholesterol – if it’s not controlled, it can seriously affect your health. Simply replacing your usual spread could reduce it by 10 per cent in only three weeks.
Cholesterol is a fat-like compound that is part of all animal cells. It is essential for many of the body’s metabolic processes, including hormone and bile production, and to help the body use vitamin D.
However, there’s no need to eat foods high in cholesterol. The body is very good at making its own cholesterol – you don’t need to help it along.
There are two types of cholesterol.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – carries most of the cholesterol that is delivered to cells. It is called the ‘bad’ cholesterol when its level in the bloodstream is high because then it can clog up your arteries and raise your risk of heart attack or stroke.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol – is called the ‘good’ cholesterol because it helps remove excess LDL cholesterol out of the cells, including the arteries.
Foods that can increase ‘bad’ cholesterol
A high intake of saturated fat (butter, lard, fatty meat, pies and pastries) can increase the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver, raising blood cholesterol levels.
Foods that lower cholesterol
There are foods that can naturally help lower cholesterol, such as polyunsaturated oil – e.g. sunflower oil, oats and legumes, and foods that contain plant sterols that are natural compounds found in everyday foods, such as vegetables, vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds and fruit. However, they naturally occur in quantities too small to lower cholesterol levels.
One of the most effective dietary changes for lowering LDL-cholesterol levels is to add plant sterols to your diet. Studies show that consuming 2 to 2.5g* of plant sterols, which is found in just 25g of plant sterol-based spreads, can lower LDL-cholesterol by up to 15 per cent when combined with moving to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
This is equivalent to two to three slices of bread with this type of spread per day
Tablelands Reduce Cholesterol spread has added plant sterols that work on actively reducing your cholesterol re-absorption. It also has no artificial flavours or colours, suitable for vegetarians and is available in supermarkets.
And it’s just like the expensive brands, but for a fraction of the price!
Find out more at www.tablelandspreads.com.au
