What are the health benefits of monounsaturated fatty acids?

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Answers:
The body uses saturated fats to make cholesterol. Saturated fat intake is a major cause behind elevated cholesterol and subsequent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries.)

Mono- and poly-unsaturated fats both help to lower cholesterol. The body perceives these as building blocks for cholesterol and attempts to use them for this, however, it will not result in cholesterol and is metabolized in less harmful ways. Consequently mono- and poly-unsaturated fats can actually reduce cholesterol by using up the enzymes and other molecules normally used to make cholesterol.

This cholesterol lowering effect can be easily defeated by the consumption of saturated fats or foods high in cholesterol. However, a diet higher in these unsaturated fats certainly seems to help lower cholesterol.

What are the health benefits of monounsaturated fatty acids?

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