Heart Health – Do you know your good fats from bad fats?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, with high blood cholesterol being a risk factor for heart disease. The Heart Foundation explain that eating a lot of saturated fat increases your blood cholesterol, in particular the bad (LDL) cholesterol, and along with it increases your risk of heart disease.  The Heart Foundation has reviewed recent evidence regarding the health claims of coconut oil, and have concluded that coconut oil in fact increases your blood cholesterol levels. This is no surprise considering coconut oil has an extremely high saturated fat content of 92%, compared to Extra Virgin Olive Oil at 15%.

The heart foundation has suggested to reduce the intake of high levels of saturated and trans fat and include good fats such monounsaturated fat, found in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and polyunsaturated fats from whole foods such as nuts and fish, to help reduce the risk of heart disease.

So, do your body a favour – choose Extra Virgin Olive Oil! It’s an excellent source of monosaturated fat, helps reduce blood cholesterol, is very low in saturated fat, does not contain harmful trans-fat and is loaded with antioxidants. Choose Extra Virgin Olive Oil, it’s so good for your health!