Can Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil help with cholesterol management?

Cold pressed rapeseed oil is known for being a versatile cooking oil, that’s great for cooking with every day. Local food fans love it too as it can be grown pressed and bottled here in the UK, cutting down on food miles. 

It’s a good source of Omega 3, rich in Vitamin and has around half the saturated fat of Olive oil. Clearly there are a whole host of nutritional benefits to cold pressed rapeseed oil but what is this oil's impact on cholesterol? Let's investigate…

So what is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is made by the liver and also found in certain foods. It is crucial for building cell membranes and producing hormones. However, having too much cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

There are two main types of cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often known as "bad" cholesterol because high levels of it in the body can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) is often known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.

Managing cholesterol

Our diet plays a crucial role in managing cholesterol levels. A diet rich in saturated and trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol levels which isn’t a good thing.

For the majority of people it’s important to eat a varied and nutritionally dense diet and fats absolutely play a part in that. Incorporating healthier fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats into our diets (rather than saturated and trans fats) can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels in our bodies.

Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil: A Heart-Healthy Option?

The British Heart Foundation lists rapeseed oil as one of the foods recommended to help with lowering cholesterol.

Their website states “The best way to eat a better diet is to swap your saturated fats with foods that are high in unsaturated fat like vegetable oils (sunflower, olive and rapeseed oil), nuts seeds and avocado and oily fish.”  

Find out more on the British Heart Foundation website

Cold pressed rapeseed oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, Studies have shown that monounsaturated fats have been linked to improvements in cholesterol levels, specifically by reducing LDL cholesterol without having a negative impact on HDL cholesterol levels.

Everything in moderation

While cold pressed rapeseed oil can help with managing cholesterol levels it's important to remember that moderation is key. Like all fats, rapeseed oil is calorie-dense, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.