Cholesterol
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like compound found in the blood. It can only be found in animal based foods, not plant foods. Researchers now consider cholesterol from food less of a concern to heart health than saturated fats, as the body manufactures its own cholesterol and can cut back on production when there is a lot eaten (for example when you eat a lot of eggs or butter). For most people, reducing the amount of saturated fats they consume is of greater benefit than restricting the cholesterol from foods such as eggs, organ meats, some seafood such as prawns and other animal foods.
Cholesterol in the body comes from two sources. The majority comes from the body’s natural production of cholesterol from the liver, with about a third coming from food we eat. About half the cholesterol we eat from food is absorbed by the body.
How can beta-glucan help with cholesterol management?
Beta-glucan is a natural soluble fibre that may help manage cholesterol levels and improve the ratio between "good" cholesterol (HDL) and "bad" cholesterol (LDL). During digestion, the beta-glucan helps prevent cholesterol being re-absorbed into the bloodstream and helps eliminate it from the body. Bürgen® Wholegrains & Oats Bread contains oat fibre rich in beta-glucan which can help lower cholesterol absorption as part of a healthy balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and a healthy lifestyle.