Cholesterol is a natural fat found in all of our cells and which is necessary for our bodies to function properly.
Cholesterol is essential for our cells to function, but an excess can be detrimental. Cholesterol is bad for our health if there is too much present in the blood (hypercholesterolemia), which then becomes enemy number one for our heart.
There are different types of cholesterol, but the most familiar types are HDL, or "good cholesterol" and LDL, or "bad cholesterol". If we eat foods high in LDL cholesterol, we increase the amount in our bodies. If, on the other hand, we eat foods high in HDL cholesterol, it can help to protect us against "bad cholesterol".
There are other substances in our diet that can help to regulate cholesterol in our blood, such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, which reduce the amount of LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Serrano ham is rich in poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids, in particular a type of monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which is especially healthy for regulating cholesterol in our body.
Serrano ham is an excellent food for regulating cholesterol levels in our body.