There is no fat like fat

Fat has become a staple in nutrition. Sometimes we have too much of it, sometimes not enough. Until recently, fat was associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and excess weight. Similarly with cholesterol, higher blood levels of which have become a reason to adopt a low-fat diet. However, there is no direct correlation between dietary fat and body fat, and reducing dietary fat intake does not automatically improve cholesterol levels.

We don't eat only fat

Fat is one of the components of the diet, it is considered a macronutrient, so we need to consume a lot of it. Specifically, it should be 30% of caloric intake, even 35% in winter or for children! As you can see, it is the total caloric intake that counts. Fat gives us the most energy, it saves our kidneys, and most importantly, it is a substance needed for proper liver and brain function! When losing weight or adjusting cholesterol levels, it is necessary to maintain the necessary fat intake and reduce the intake of the other two nutrients, but usually only carbohydrates. Apart from the sporting population, most people in our country do not get enough protein in their diet.

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Good and bad fat?

Fats include fatty acids. These can be either saturated or unsaturated. Each has a slightly different function. While the saturated ones primarily serve as a source of energy, the unsaturated ones can also clean up. They weigh down harmful substances, which then leave the body in the form of bile. We need both types, because among both saturated and unsaturated we find fatty acids that are harmful or beneficial.

Similarly with cholesterol, a substance of a steroidal nature that helps the body process fats and is an important component of cell membranes and steroid hormones. HDL cholesterol is considered good, LDL cholesterol bad. However, their ratio varies in the body according to need.

Blood vessels and fat

Blood vessels distribute blood, the most precious fluid. It's not just a fragile tube. From the inside it is lined with a so-called vascular endothelium, which has many functions and also protects the blood vessel from damage, e.g. by acids produced in metabolism. If there is poor nutrition, the endothelium thins and the vessel is susceptible to damage and bleeding. At this point, we can be grateful to LDL cholesterol, which is sticky and can 'plug' the damaged area. So far, so good. The problem arises when the problem is not addressed and the cholesterol patches pile up. The blood vessel gradually becomes clogged, becomes dysfunctional and runs the risk of clots.

Fat and Liver

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Liver controls the patency of the body and therefore the blood vessels. The liver is also the place where LDL cholesterol can be converted back into free cholesterol and used to form bile acids, important for the digestion of fats.

The most common pathology of the Liver is Qi stagnation, which generates heat. If pathological dampness from weakened digestion is added to this, damp heat is generated. This can spread further into the blood vessels. Damp heat clogs and can cause chronic inflammation, manifesting as vasculitis and arteritis, or inflammation of the blood vessels.

What does Chinese medicine advise?

Diet, drink and exercise

The first thing to do is to adjust your diet and drinking and start moving. It is always more pleasant to give something of yourself instead of restricting food too much. A brisk walk is enough, which is, among other things, an activity that makes the Liver Qi flow. The important thing is that it lasts at least 30 minutes straight and we get a little out of breath. Lower intensity without sweating too much also helps burn fat.

When it's not nice out or time doesn't work out, you can stretch a bit at home or practice Qi Gong or Tai Chi. Blood vessels benefit from not being squeezed by a shortened or overworked muscle.

Round Buddha

Adjusting the amount of subcutaneous fat and blood lipid levels is handled by herbs much better than chemical drugs. Moreover, when used properly, they have no harmful side effects. An interesting herb is Jiao Gu Lan, or Gynostema five-leaved, which strengthens Qi and cools heat. It can be found in formulas for maintaining health and longevity. From a Western perspective, it affects normal blood sugar and lipid levels, normal liver function, and also the cardiovascular system. It is part of the Ti Zhong Jian Qing Tang (Round Buddha) blend. Together with other herbs, they replenish the Qi of the Spleen and remove dampness from the body. This harmonizes digestion.

For cholesterol already deposited in the blood vessels, fermented red rice is a specialist. You will find it in our MycoCholest. In the right dosage, it can maintain the right cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. When combined with the herbs in the Ti Zhong Jian Tang blend, the effect is more pronounced, and it mainly targets the root of the problem, which is weakened digestion.

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