Question

The widely recommended oil to ease out arterial cholesterol deposition is

• A. Ground nut oil
• B. Mustard oil
• C. Sunflower oil
• D. Coconut oil

Hint:

Sunflower oil contains high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly linoleic acid, which helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and prevents arterial plaque build-up.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Dietary lipids play a critical role in cardiovascular health.
Unsaturated fatty acids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), help reduce blood cholesterol levels and prevent plaque deposition in arteries.
Oils rich in PUFAs are recommended for individuals with cardiovascular risks to help manage and prevent arterial cholesterol deposition.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus).
It is highly recommended for cardiac patients because of its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid (an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid).
Linoleic acid helps reduce Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is the primary component of arterial plaques.
By lowering LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, sunflower oil reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (arterial deposition).
Other oils listed have different fatty acid profiles:
- Coconut oil contains high levels of saturated fatty acids, which can increase cholesterol levels if consumed in excess.
- Groundnut oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) but has less PUFA than sunflower oil.
- Mustard oil contains erucic acid, which is regulated in some diets due to potential cardiac risks.
Therefore, sunflower oil is the most widely recommended oil for managing arterial cholesterol.

Step 3: Final Answer
The oil recommended to reduce arterial cholesterol deposition is sunflower oil.