A new study shows that corn oil is better than extra virgin olive oil when it comes to lowering cholesterol.
The findings were presented recently at the American Society for Nutrition’s Advances & Controversies in Clinical Nutrition Conference by lead researcher, Dr. Kevin C Maki with Biofortis, the clinical research arm of Merieux NutriSciences.
“The study results suggest corn oil has significantly greater effects on blood cholesterol levels than extra virgin olive oil, due, in part, to the natural cholesterol-blocking ability of plant sterols,” said Dr. Maki. “These findings add to those from prior research supporting corn oil’s positive heart health benefits.”
Corn oil has four times more plant sterols than olive oil and 40 percent more than canola oil. To the extent that plant sterols play a part in reducing blood cholesterol levels, they could have an important role in a heart healthy diet.
Corn oil is also better for your pocketbook, by far, and no research is necessary to tell you that. The average price for a gallon of corn oil is about $10, while a gallon of extra virgin olive oil will run you $30 or more. Love your heart and your wallet at the same time!