For more than half a century, natural saturated fats such as butter, which contain natural cholesterol, have been introduced as an undesirable food element and something that should be removed from everyone’s diet. Fortunately, in recent years, cholesterol and fat have lost their place as the number one enemy of health, and misconceptions about the need to eliminate them completely from the diet have changed somewhat.
Cholesterol consumption is no longer the only cause of cardiovascular disease and many other health problems, and the role of sugar in many of these issues has become clearer. But despite these developments, it may take years or even decades for these misconceptions about saturated fats and cholesterol to clear people’s minds. But with a little research, you may be able to avoid cholesterol-lowering problems much sooner. Here are some of the most important benefits of preserving saturated fats in the diet and their positive health effects.
mind your step!
This list only includes foods that have natural and unprocessed cholesterol and should not be confused with oxidized cholesterols found in processed and prepared foods. This is processed cholesterol, which plays an important role in coronary heart disease and is very harmful to your body. So remember the difference between the two and, in addition to maintaining the natural cholesterol in your diet, avoid consuming processed forms.
Adequate cholesterol in the body is essential for maintaining hormonal balance. Cholesterol in particular is essential for the production of stress-related hormones, and their presence in the body reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.
2. Low cholesterol levels in the body cause insufficient absorption of vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for the proper functioning of all parts of the body, including bones, nerves, healthy growth, mineral absorption and processing, insulin production, fertility, and strengthening your immune system.
3. The bile salts that are made in your liver need cholesterol. Bile, an alkaline fluid stored in the gallbladder, is vital for the functioning of the digestive system and the absorption of dietary fats.
4. Cholesterol is essential for protecting your body! It is a powerful antioxidant that can protect body tissues from damage caused by free radicals.
Read more: Sample low cholesterol diet suitable for heart patients
5. Cholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the brain. It is used by serotonin receptors (a hormone that plays a key role in preventing depression and improving mood). Not surprisingly, therefore, very low cholesterol levels and aggressive behaviors, depression, and suicidal ideation are associated.
6. Breast milk is rich in natural cholesterol and contains an enzyme that helps the baby’s body use this natural fat properly. Babies and children need enough of it to grow and develop their brain, nervous system and immune system.
7. Cholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the intestines and maintaining the health of their inner walls. Diets that are unreasonably low in cholesterol can lead to problems such as abdominal syndrome and other gastrointestinal problems.
8. Cholesterol is vital for repairing damaged cells. This is why the level of this substance in the blood naturally increases with age and it is certainly useful for older people. In fact, if we blame saturated fats and natural cholesterol for hardening the walls of the heart, it is like saying that white blood cells play a role in the infection.
Prepared and edited by: Sanaz Motalebi Khameneh, nutritionist and dietitian
Source: Dr. Salam
