Need to lower your LDL? Some oils tested better.

Heart disease and stroke are often associated with high cholesterol levels. Traditionally, the Mediterranean diet with abundant olive oil has been thought to be the most effective for overall health and longevity. But, in a meta-analysis of studies that analyzed the data comparing various oils with cholesterol levels, surprisingly olive oil did not rank as high as other oils. Researchers found that safflower seed oil followed by rapeseed (canola) oil reduced LDL cholesterol more effectively then olive oil.

Research study criteria were as follows:
i) randomized trial (≥3 weeks study length) comparing at least two of the following oils/solid fats: safflower, sunflower, rapeseed, hempseed, flaxseed, corn, olive, soybean, palm, and coconut oil, and lard, beef-fat, and butter;

ii) outcomes LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and triacylglycerols (TGs). A random dose-response (per 10% isocaloric exchange) NMA was performed and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was estimated. Fifty-four trials were included in the NMA.

Safflower oil had the highest SUCRA value for LDL-C (82%) and TC (90%), followed by rapeseed oil (76% for LDL-C, 85% for TC); whereas, palm oil (74%) had the highest SUCRA value for TG, and coconut oil (88%) for HDL-C.

Safflower, sunflower, rapeseed, flaxseed, corn, olive, soybean, palm, and coconut oil as well beef fat were more effective in reducing LDL-C (−0.42 to −0.23 mmol/l) as compared with butter.

Substituting saturated fats like butter with unsaturated fats like sunflower and safflower seed oil is a natural way to help improve cholesterol levels.

When you do increase your intake of polyunsaturated fats, it’s very important that you use fresh oils because the unsaturated molecular structure is highly susceptible to oxidation. Making sure you take antioxidants Is important too. They act like a shield against free radical cell damage caused by oxidation. MDR offers Longevity Antioxidants with 25 antioxidants to increase your cell defenses against oxidative damage for optimal health.

http://m.jlr.org/content/59/9/1771

Oct 12th 2018 MDR