Reduces LDL cholesterol levels in blood while keeping the calorie intake reasonable
Explanation:
Saturated fatty acids (SFA) in dietary fat raise the serum low-density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides, total cholesterol but decrease the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
SFAs are formed with double bonds and leads to increased calorie content. However, when the SFAs are replaced by mono or polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, PUFA), the LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol reduces while the HDL level increases, without compromising the calorie content
MUFA and PUFA are beneficial to heart since they reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases as they contain omega-3 fatty acids - the essential fatty acids.
Consuming foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids like vegetable oil, nuts, fatty fish, avocado etc are good for the heart
Thus the replacement only changes the type of fat without compromising calorie content but at the same time helps to maintain a healthy heart.
