[Myth Debunked] Why do carbohydrates, which are not oily, raise blood lipids, while fish oil, which is oily, can lower blood lipids?

You may have wondered: Carbohydrates do not contain fat, so why do we tend to increase blood lipids when we eat too much? And fish oil, which is so oily, can actually help lower blood lipids? What's going on? Let's use science to debunk this health myth once and for all!

1. Carbohydrates and blood lipids: the physiological mechanism behind them

Although carbohydrates (such as white rice, bread, and candy) do not contain fat, when you consume too much, your body will convert the excess carbon water into fat storage. This process is called De Novo Lipogenesis .

In particular, refined carbohydrates (such as white rice, white bread, and sweets) can easily and quickly increase blood sugar, stimulate insulin secretion, and then promote the liver to convert excess glucose into triglycerides (TG) , leading to increased blood lipids.

  • Eat too much carbohydrates → blood sugar soars → insulin secretion increases → excess sugar turns into fat → blood lipids rise

2. Why can fish oil, which is so oily, lower blood lipids?

Fish oil is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid , the main components of which are EPA and DHA. Studies have shown that these fatty acids can help lower triglycerides in the blood, improve cholesterol structure, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The mechanism of fish oil in lowering blood lipids:

  • Inhibits triglyceride synthesis in the liver
  • Promote fat decomposition and metabolism
  • Reduce inflammation and protect blood vessel health

Simply put, although fish oil is "oil", it is a "good oil" . Not only will it not increase blood lipids, but it can help regulate blood lipids and promote cardiovascular health.

3. Common Myths Q&A

Q1: Can all oils lower blood lipids?
A: No. Only unsaturated fatty acids rich in Omega-3, such as fish oil, can have such an effect. Saturated fats (such as animal oil and butter) will increase bad cholesterol.

Q2: If I don’t eat carbohydrates at all, will my blood lipids be better?
A: An extreme low-carb diet may not be suitable for everyone. It is recommended to eat a balanced diet, choose whole grains and avoid refined sugars, which is the key to health.

Q3: How much fish oil should I take every day to be effective?
A: The generally recommended daily intake of EPA+DHA is 250-1000 mg. Please consult a doctor for special needs.

Carbohydrates are not oily but can raise blood lipids, while fish oil is oily but can lower blood lipids. The key lies in the way the body metabolizes and the type of fat . If you want to control fat in a healthy way, it is recommended to reduce the intake of refined carbohydrates, supplement with an appropriate amount of fish oil rich in Omega-3, and combine it with a balanced diet and exercise to truly take care of your blood lipids and cardiovascular health!

No comments