How I Naturally Improved my Cholesterol

As someone who was never really conscious about health, I started my journey to find natural ways to enhance my well-being. Years ago, my cholesterol was definitely high, and I was surprised to find that the very shop I planned to open had the answer: olive oil!

I started researching this liquid gold as an alternative to medications (with its biophenols) and, to my astonishment, after three months of consuming just two tablespoons a day, my calculated cholesterol started to fall within normal ranges! Being the 'data geek' that I am, I found that the higher the biophenols, the better the effect.

This led me to try a variety of flavors from our little shop, and the experience has been nothing short of delicious!

How I Changed My Cholesterol at The Little Shop of Olive Oils

The Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Before we begin, it's essential to understand why olive oil is beneficial. Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. These components are known to reduce LDL cholesterol while maintaining or even increasing good cholesterol (HDL). This balance is crucial for heart health, making olive oil a star player in a heart-healthy diet.

Mayo Clinic, one of my favorite references, says: "Olive oil and nuts are the main sources of fat in the Mediterranean diet. They provide unsaturated fat. When unsaturated fat comes from plant sources, it seems to lower levels of total cholesterol as well as low-density lipoprotein, also called LDL or 'bad' cholesterol." Check out this article Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health.

My Journey Begins

Classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I started with the classic extra virgin olive oil, MY FAVORITE by far! There are new harvests every six months from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Herby, peppery, and rich flavors are amazing on salads and vegetables.

Lemon Olive Oil

Next, I tried the lemon olive oil. This oil adds a zesty twist to my dishes. I drizzle it over grilled fish and use it in a citrusy vinaigrette for my salads.

Butter Olive Oil

I'll admit that I was skeptical about the butter olive oil at first, but it turned out to be a game-changer. It has a creamy, rich flavor of butter without the saturated fats. I use it for sautéing vegetables and even as a spread on my morning toast. It offers the buttery taste I was craving but in a healthy way... Hallelujah!

Chipotle Olive Oil

For a bit of heat, the chipotle olive oil was perfect. It's smoky and spicy, adding a kick of flavor to my dishes. I use it to marinate chicken and drizzle over roasted potatoes. The heat from the chipotle was balanced with the smoothness of the olive oil, making it a great addition to my rotation of oils.

Peach Balsamic Vinegar

While not an olive oil, the peach balsamic vinegar from our Little Shop was a great discovery. It's sweet and tangy, and the flavor complemented the olive oils perfectly. I used it in a peach, avocado, and chicken salad for a refreshing summer dish that was both AMAZING and healthy!

The Results

Since I started including these flavors of olive oil in my diet, my meals have become more enjoyable, and my health has improved. I noticed a difference in my energy levels and overall well-being. Most importantly, my recent cholesterol check showed a significant reduction in my LDL levels!

I love experimenting with different flavors, and it's so easy to incorporate this heart-healthy fat into my diet. An added bonus is that my food tastes delicious!

To sum up with my two cents... If you're looking to lower your bad cholesterol naturally, I highly recommend exploring the wonderful world of extra virgin olive oils. Not only will you be doing your heart a favor, but you'll also love the cool creations! You will be the culinary superstar of your family!

As always, do your research! I am not a doctor or nurse, but I am simply sharing my passion for olive oil and my own personal experience of what worked for me.

Thanks for reading!

Tracey