Two out of three Dutch people suffer from elevated LDL cholesterol*. This is worrisome, because that is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. But what exactly is cholesterol? And how do you keep your cholesterol level in balance?
Cholesterol is a white, fatty substance. It plays an important function in the body. For example, cholesterol is necessary for the production of new body cells, it forms the basis for hormones and plays a role in the production of bile.
There are several types of cholesterol in your blood:
- LDLAlso known as bad cholesterol. LDL takes the cholesterol from the liver and transports it to the cells of the body. The cells take up the cholesterol they need, but too much can cause blockages in the arteries and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is why it is important to keep the LDL level low.
- HDLAlso known as good cholesterol. HDL removes the excess cholesterol from the blood, returns it to the liver and drains it through the intestines. This prevents blockages in the arteries and is good for a healthy heart.
What can you do to lower cholesterol?
- Limit your intake of foods high in (unhealthy) saturated fats, such as fatty meats and full-fat dairy products.
- Replace these with foods with (good) polyunsaturated fats such as oily fish and nuts & peanuts.
- In addition, eat plenty of vegetables and fruit.
- Get moving, try to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day and maintain a healthy weight.
- Add extra plant sterols to your diet to lower cholesterol. plant sterols are also found in daily diet. Becel ProActiv products contain plant sterols.
Becel ProActiv products
Lowering cholesterol seems like a challenge, but with Becel ProActiv do you have a helping hand and it becomes very easy. Many Becel ProActiv products contain added pantensterols. More than fifty scientific studies show that plant sterols help to lower cholesterol. Taking 1.5-2.4g of plant sterols per day can lower cholesterol by 7 to 10 percent after 2 to 3 weeks. More than 3 grams of plant sterols per day should not be consumed. You can choose which Becel ProActiv variant you choose to lower cholesterol:
You can also combine products! For example, spread 2 slices of bread with Becel ProActiv for bread (20g) and take 1 capsule of Becel ProActiv food supplement. Or combine a bottle of yoghurt drink with a spread of bread (10g). Choose the product that suits you! Make sure that you always use the products as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
*Source: Heart Foundation, July 2020
