Fats and oils: how do animal fats affect cholesterol levels and the cardiovascular system?

Animal fats, such as butter, lard, and the fat in meat and poultry, traditionally make up a significant part of the diet. The main feature of these products is their high content of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol.

The impact of animal fats on the cardiovascular system was long considered exclusively negative. Modern research shows that moderate consumption of natural animal fats is acceptable and even necessary for the body, but an excess of saturated fats can indeed increase blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

An elevated level of so-called bad cholesterol eventually leads to the formation of plaques on blood vessel walls, the narrowing of their lumen, and the development of atherosclerosis. This increases the load on the heart and raises the risk of hypertension and heart attack.

To enjoy your favorite foods without harming vascular health, moderation should be observed.