Blog Post

Saturated Fat Intake May Not Be Associated With Coronary Heart Disease

Preeti Paul, MS Biochemistry - Medical News Bulletin • June 17, 2018

A recent article in the BJSM suggests that there is no association between saturated fat consumption and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) mortality. Lifestyle interventions including a healthy diet, regular exercise and reduced stress are more effective in reducing the risk of CHD and all-cause mortality than just monitoring lipid profiles.

A recent article published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine by Aseem Malhotra and colleagues draws our attention to coronary artery disease pathogenesis and recommends the existing theoretical model of saturated fat clogging the arteries be reviewed. As reported by a landmark systematic review and meta-analysis of several studies, in healthy adults there is no association between saturated fat consumption and CHD, ischemic stroke, type-2 diabetes, or CHD/all-cause mortality. Reduced intake of dietary fat, including saturated fat, was not found to have an additional benefit in prevention of cardiovascular or all-cause mortality. Additionally, an angiographic study of postmenopausal women with CHD showed that progression of atherosclerosis was directly proportional to a high carbohydrate and polyunsaturated fat intake and inversely proportional to intake of saturated fat.

Atherosclerosis is a syndrome affecting arterial blood vessels due to a chronic inflammatory response. This is promoted by low-density-lipoproteins (LDL) and inadequate removal of fats and cholesterol by functional high-density-lipoproteins (HDL), resulting in the formation of plaques. Unstable plaques can rupture causing the formation of thrombi that will rapidly slow or stop blood flow, leading to death of the tissue fed by the artery. Preventing the progression of atherosclerosis is important, but it is the atherothrombosis that causes mortality. The results of many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reveal that the current approach of unclogging the arteries is not effective in the management of CHD. These trials suggest that stenting obstructive stable lesions do not prevent myocardial infarction or reduce mortality.

Dietary RCTs conducted on high-risk patients highlight the benefits of diet in primary and secondary prevention of CHD. Researchers report a significant, 30% reduction in adverse cardiovascular events in patients put on energy-unrestricted Mediterranean diet (41% fat), supplemented with at least four tablespoons of olive oil or a handful of nuts, compared with patients who were only advised to follow a low-fat (37% fat) diet. In addition, the Lyon Heart study conducted to evaluate the effects of Mediterranean diet on secondary prevention of CHD concluded that it is the alpha linoleic acid, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids present in nuts, extra virgin olive oil, vegetables and oily fish that rapidly reduce inflammation and coronary thrombosis.

Based on these findings, the association of LDL cholesterol with coronary thrombosis needs to be reevaluated. Unpublished data from the Sydney Diet Heart Study and the Minnesota coronary experiment were reanalyzed to reveal that replacing saturated fat with linoleic acid containing vegetable oils increased the risk of mortality despite significant reductions in LDL and total cholesterol (TC). Thus, a high TC to HDL ratio, not LDL, is proven to be a better indicator of cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, high TC to HDL ratio is also a marker for insulin resistance (chronically elevated serum insulin), which is a risk factor for CHD.

Lifestyle interventions, including dietary changes and regular exercise are effective in lowering the TC to HDL ratio. Regular brisk walking or moderate activity also help reverse insulin resistance. Chronic stress is another risk factor for CHD and lifestyle interventions to reduce environmental stress also help reduce cardiovascular risk.

In conclusion, monitoring lipid profiles and just reducing your saturated fat intake is not the best approach to preventing and treating coronary artery disease. Adopting a complete lifestyle approach of a healthful diet, regular exercise, and reduced stress is more effective in reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality, as well as improving quality of life.


For the complete article: https://www.medicalnewsbulletin.com/saturated-fat-intake-may-not-associated-coronary-heart-disease/



All about extra virgin olive oil...

June 22, 2021
This recognition corroborates the one recently received as the best #EVOO of the 2020-21 Harvest in the Estepa Denomination of Origin contest, which was organized by its Regulatory Council. To this award is added the recognition of its high quality achieved in competitions in NEW YORK, CANADA and JAPAN. This excellent EVOO was cold extracted in our mills from Lora de Estepa in November, using only early-harvest organic Hojiblanca olives. The result is a very fruity EVOO, with aromas reminiscent of green olives and hits of ripe olives, freshly grass and artichoke. Spiciness and bitterness are mild and balanced, and there is a hint of sweetness. EGREGIO is available in gourmet stores and in the online store: https://www.egregioextravirgin.com/store
May 27, 2021
This recognition corroborates the one recently received as the best #EVOO of the 2020-21 Harvest in the Estepa Denomination of Origin contest, which was organized by its Regulatory Council. This excellent EVOO was cold extracted in our mills from Lora de Estepa in November, using only early-harvest organic Hojiblanca olives. The result is a very fruity EVOO, with aromas reminiscent of green olives and hits of ripe olives, freshly grass and artichoke. Spiciness and bitterness are mild and balanced, and there is a hint of sweetness. EGREGIO is available in gourmet stores and in the online store: https://www.egregioextravirgin.com/store
EGREGIO Organic EVOO by Oleoestepa gets the award for the best EVOO of the Estepa Designation of Or
By websitebuilder March 23, 2021
The Estepa Protected Designation of Origin has celebrated the first edition of the award for the quality of extra virgin olive oil produced in its territory. The award for the best EVOO of the Estepa PDO for the 2020/21 harvest campaign has gone to one of the associated oil mills of Oleoestepa SCA, named San José de Lora de Estepa oil mill. Oleoestepa bottle the awarded EVOO under the brand of organic extra virgin olive oil EGREGIO , a Premium reference available in gourmet stores and its online store by clicking here . EGREGIO EVOO comes from organic farming, early harvest and cold extraction. It presents a complex and balanced profile, very fruity, with a diversity of aromas reminiscent of green olives, with hints of ripe olives, fresh grass, green leaf, artichoke and green branch wood. In the mouth, the spiciness and bitterness stand out, harmonious and very balanced, complemented with a touch of sweetness. The contest organized by the Estepa Denomination of Origin is based on two unique milestones that are not presented in any other contest in the world. First of all, participants must have a deposit of at least 40,000 kg of extra virgin olive oil, which forces participants to have a high level of generalized demand in its production. Secondly, all the oils presented must comply with the specifications of the Estepa Designation of Origin, the most demanding in the world on certifying the high quality of an extra virgin olive oil. This award recognizes the great work of the associated oil mills located in the territory protected by the Estepa Designation of Origin in the development of a sustainable olive grove and an extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality.
By Borja Fernández February 3, 2021
It´s important that we know the definition of organic extra virgin olive oil, which is: “oil that comes from organic farming, a production system that uses agricultural methods that respect nature and the environment, with very strict rules on the use of herbicides, pesticides and synthetic chemical fertilizers” Egregio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced in Estepa, a small town in the south of Spain where each olive is harvested in a sustainable way while protecting nature and the environment as much as possible. For us, the most important thing about extra virgin olive oil is not only the quality but also how the oil has been harvested and produced. Here you have just a few reasons to consume Egregio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: - Avoid chemicals. ... - Benefit from more nutrients. ... - Enjoy better taste. ... - Avoid GMOs. ... - Preserve our ecosystems. ... - Reduce pollution and protect the quality of the water and soil. ... - Preserve agricultural diversity. From Egregio we encourage you to consume organic extra virgin olive oil and enjoy its benefits!
By Borja Valdecasas January 25, 2021
Did you know that great olive oil is the opposite of great wine? While some quality wine gets better over time, all great extra virgin olive oil gets worse. The fresher the better. Consuming fresh extra virgin olive oil will allow you to experience the most all of the amazing flavors and aromas, adding more flavor to each dish. Consuming fresh harvest oil also ensures low levels of oxidation, high content of polyphenols and oleic acid, which have a direct impacts on your health. Our November 2020 harvest Fresh Egregio Extra Virgin Olive Oil has just arrived! Egregio Intense for hearty plates such as meats or veggies, Egregio Delicate for fish or poultry, and Egregio Organic for your everyday needs. All Egregio Extra Virgin Olive Oil is farmed sustainably from our family of farmers.
By Borja Fernández November 26, 2020
Preparation: For the stuffing: 1. Cut the bread into small cubes, dice the onion and celery and chop the parsley. 2. Bake the bread in the oven for several minutes until golden. 3. Heat the Egregio delicate fruit olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and celery until soft. 4. Mix the onion and celery with the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. For the turkey: 1. Preheat the oven to 325ºF (165ºC). 2. Mix the Egregio delicate fruit olive oil with the garlic, rosemary, basil, oregano, parsley, onion powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt in a bowl. Set aside. 3. Wash the turkey inside and out. Leave it to dry. 4. Remove any large fat deposits and gently loosen the skin from the breast without tearing it, working your fingers into the area between the breast and skin. 5. Place the stuffing inside the turkey cavity. 6. Spread the Egregio delicate fruit olive oil and herb mixture over the outside of the turkey and between the breast and skin. 7. Place the turkey in a roasting pan with a rack and put it in the oven. Add about half a cup of water to the bottom of the pan and leave the turkey to roast for three to four hours. Ingredients For the turkey: • 1 whole turkey (about 4kg) • 250ml Egregio delicate fruit extra virgin olive oil • 3 tablespoons minced garlic • A pinch of chopped fresh rosemary • A pinch of chopped fresh basil • A pinch of dried oregano • A pinch of dried parsley • A pinch of onion powder • A pinch of dried thyme • A pinch of red pepper flakes • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper • Salt to taste For the stuffing: • 450g crusty bread • 2 onions • Two celery stalks • 50g fresh parsley • 1 teaspoon dried sage • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • Salt to taste • Pepper to taste • 2 eggs • 50ml chicken broth
By websitebuilder July 9, 2020
Portions: 4 Time of preparation: 30 minutes Ingredients: 6 large eggs ½ cup ricotta cheese ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese ¼ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste ¼ cup chopped spring onion ¼ cup of EGREGIO Extra Virgin Olive Oil Intense Fruit 2 small zucchini, or one larger one, washed and sliced into thin rounds (about 3/4 pound) Preparation: In a large bowl beat the eggs until frothy. Add the Ricotta and Parmesan and beat to combine. Add the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside. Heat the EVOO in a 10-inch oven-proof stick-free skillet on medium high. When the oil is hot and begins to shimmer, add the chopped spring onions, sauté for a minute. Then add the zucchini slices. Stir so that the zucchini slices are all coated with some of the oil. Cook, stirring only occasionally (if you stir too much the zucchini won't brown), until the zucchini slices are lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat. Remove zucchini slices from the pan with tongs or a slotted spoon to a bowl. Let cool for 30 seconds or so, and then stir the zucchini slices to the egg mixture. Reheat the skillet. There should be a couple of tablespoons of oil left in the pan, if not, add some. When the oil is hot, pour the egg mixture into the pan. Do not stir it. Reduce the heat to medium. Let the egg mixture cook. Run a spatula along the edge of the frittata, separating the cooked edges from the pan. Let the egg mixture cook until the bottom is golden brown and the top is beginning to set, about 5-6 minutes. Set the top rack 5 inches from the heating element in the oven. Preheat the oven broiler. Once the top of the frittata has started to set in the pan on the stove top, remove the pan from the stove and place it in the oven. With the broiler on, the door of the oven needs to be open. You can let the pan's handle stick out from the oven through the open door. Cook under the broiler until the top starts to become lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Alternatively, instead of using the broiler, you can place a plate face-down on top of the skillet. Flip the skillet over to release the frittata on to the plate. Then slide the frittata from the plate back on to the skillet. Let cook for a couple of minutes more until the bottom side gets browned. Slide the frittata out of the skillet onto a serving plate. Let cool for a minute or two and serve. Serves 2 to 3. For more details about Egregio Intense Fruit -click here-
By Emma Christensen July 9, 2020
Milk, lemon juice, and about a half-hour of your time — that’s all you need to make a batch of fresh, creamy homemade ricotta.
By Olivia Green April 9, 2020
This is a delicious and easy to prepare variation of the classic cornbread recipe with carrot, walnuts and the exquisite aroma of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
By Olivia Green March 18, 2020
In the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic our planet is going through, it is very important to highlight what the nutritional and food-based dietary guidelines are, specially to maintain and to strength the immunological system of our older adults, and in general, of all the population.
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