We must first know that there is no “good” or “bad fat” per se, since it is excessive or inadequate intake can have harmful consequences for the organism.

Unsaturated fatty acids, known as “good fats” are found primarily in oils, oilseeds and fish.

Omega-3 is relevant because in our modern diet is sorely lacking: these unsaturated fatty acids contribute to the efficient functioning of the cardiovascular system. They are found only in foods (they are not produced by our bodies), particularly in fatty fish and rapeseed oils, walnuts and soybeans.

Other unsaturated fatty acids (omega 6, omega 9.) are beneficial: omega 6 for example, are particularly present in sunflower oil, soya or maize.

For a balanced diet, nutritionists recommend to make these unsaturated fatty acids omega 6 and omega 3 fats in our diet balanced (recommended ratio omega 6 / omega-3 close to 5).

Today intakes of omega 3 are insufficient to achieve this balance.

Poor eating habits in the first place (excess saturated fatty acids in particular), but also stress, genetic predisposition, certain diseases (kidney disease, hypothyroidism), taking certain drugs promote increased levels of cholesterol in the blood. In addition to smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle are factors associated with high cholesterol levels, increase exponentially cardiovascular risks.

Excess cholesterol is it related to weight?

Cholesterol and weight can be linked. Overweight, which is housed preferably in the upper parts of the body (neck, shoulder girdle, abdomen) is very often accompanied by numerous anomalies: hypertension, type 2 diabetes, elevated triglycerides and cholesterol. Even a moderate weight loss improves the health of people whose body mass index (BMI) is above normal.

Fatty foods are they to be banned permanently?

To reduce cholesterol, there is no mystery we must first change his eating habits. All fatty foods are not avoided. Avoid excessive intake of saturated fat intake and preference of fat called “unsaturated” in the diet.

Among the enemies of the arteries, cholesterol is specifically about him and everyone has his own ideas on the subject … 9 questions simple and practical to understand everything on this heartbreaker and overcome preconceived ideas.

Essential to the functioning of the body, cholesterol is a fat made to both parties by the liver and provided to third from food. Present in the cell wall, cholesterol gives them flexibility and strength. It also provides protection against external attack. To reach the various organs, cholesterol uses carriers that allow it to circulate in the blood. HDL (High Density Lipoproteins), known as “good”cholesterol, recover the excess cholesterol and take it to the liver where it is processed before being eliminated. LDL (low density lipoproteins) carry cholesterol from the liver to all cells. When LDLs are malfunctioning or are in excess cholesterol in the blood increases. Cholesterol accumulates and forms plaques that gradually clog the arteries. This is why LDL is called “bad cholesterol”.