Danacol has been on the market for years and has always been surrounded by some controversy. When it comes to high cholesterol, there are serious health risks, even death, which is why the advertising we sometimes see on TV is so doubted.
The best thing to reduce cholesterol is to put yourself in the hands of a specialist, eat a balanced diet and do some sport every day. By taking a little bottle we are not going to magically reduce our cholesterol, but it must be a daily job that depends on many factors to see results in 1 month.
What is cholesterol?
To put it simply, there are two types of cholesterol, good and bad, and we all have both. The problem comes when the bad is in large quantities and begins to clog our veins and arteries, preventing good blood circulation and putting our health and life at serious risk.
Starting at the beginning. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance and is present in all cells of our body. Cholesterol is so important that it helps us make hormones, vitamin D, and helps us digest food.
Our bodies produce cholesterol, but this substance is also present in foods of animal origin such as meat, eggs, cheese , and others. When there is an excess of cholesterol in the blood, these residues turn into plaque, which adheres to the walls of blood vessels.
The buildup is known as arteriosclerosis and can lead to serious heart disease, as the buildup can even clog the pathways where blood should go.
Danacol website
good and bad cholesterol
You have to differentiate between HDL, which is good, and LDL, which is bad. It is known as good because it transports cholesterol to other parts of the body and back to the liver, where it is eliminated.
On the other hand, LDL is known as "bad" cholesterol because it's dangerous and accumulates as plaque in the arteries . Furthermore, the more LDL there is, the lower the amount of HDL in the body, leading to dreaded cholesterol spikes and putting our health at risk. As it builds up in the arteries, blood flow becomes increasingly restricted, contributing to heart problems.
The real risk of cholesterol is accumulation, so it is important to reduce red meat, sauces, industrial pastries, sugar and the like, and increase the intake of vegetables, fruits, soluble fiber, white meat, low-fat foods, drink plenty of water and else.
This is how high cholesterol is caused
Reaching the limits of high cholesterol is very detrimental to health. To give us an idea:
- Optimal cholesterol levels are between 100 and 129 mg/dL.
- Normal cholesterol values ​​are between 130 and 159 mg/dL.
- High cholesterol numbers are between 160 and 189 mg/dL.
- The very high cholesterol range is greater than 190 mg/dL.
The more meat, sauces, ultra-processed foods, pre-cooked food, industrial pastries, oily foods we eat, and the less vegetables, fruits, legumes, cereals and water we drink, the more our cholesterol will rise. In addition, if we do not increase our blood flow through exercise and let ourselves fall into the comfortable life of a sedentary lifestyle, we can also suffer from high cholesterol, even if we do not eat meat.
Danacol nutritional properties
This drink is sold to us as if it were a miracle and, furthermore, it was almost as healthy as biting into an apple. The reality is quite different. If it is true that it is not entirely wrong in regards to its composition, that is, its ingredients and the amounts of these.
The ingredients, as listed on the official Danone website, we have:
Skimmed pasteurized milk, plant sterol ester (2,6%, of which 1,6% free plant sterol), oligofructose, skimmed milk powder, flavorings, sweeteners (acesulfame K and sucralose) and active lactic cultures.
On the other hand, the nutritional information of each of these little boats:
- Energy value: 43 calories
- Fats: 1 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Sugars: 4 grams
- Proteins: 3 grams
- Salt: 0 grams
In the table above we can see how there are 4 grams of sugar in each 100 ml bottle, about 43 kcal, 3,2 grams of protein, just over 4 grams of carbohydrates, almost no saturated fat and almost no salt. . It is not the healthiest product, but within the usual in these cases where we have ultra-processed drinks, it is not entirely bad when you only have to take one a day.
Mainly, it is so low in calories and low in fat because its first ingredient (and most of the content) is skim milk. In addition, the latest versions are free of added sugar and replace the sweetener. However, it also contains oligofructose, which is a derivative of sucrose (sugar). That is why it is understood that each canister contains 4 grams of added sugar (almost the recommended daily amount).
Regarding the protein value, it cannot be said that it is a great source of protein. This dairy product contains the common amount of any yogurt or drinkable. In order for it to be high in protein, they should have added buttermilk.
That makes?
According to the brand, it reduces cholesterol by 10% . To the surprise of many, this may be true, but there's some fine print worth knowing. As we said, taking a bottle a day isn't magic; simply put, for it to work, we must meet a series of requirements.
We once again emphasize the need to be evaluated by a doctor, eat a very varied diet, avoid industrial pastries, fats, reduce meat and sausages, and practice sports every day.
In the market there are countless drinks, creams, smoothies, butter, cookies, which promise to lower cholesterol. The first thing we must be clear about is that all these ultra-processed products have high levels of sugar, in addition to the compound phytosterols and phytostanols, which are what "lower cholesterol."
These compounds have a cholesterol-lowering mechanism of action that blocks cholesterol (explained in detail in the following video). It's Flora ProActiv, but it works the same way.
Plant sterols are present in all fruits and vegetables, which is why reducing animal products helps lower bad cholesterol naturally and healthily. If, for whatever reason, we don't want to drastically reduce our meat intake, then we should incorporate more fruits and vegetables and use Danacol or similar products that contain plant sterols.
Now comes the key question, if cholesterol is lowered naturally with fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts and such, why don't more emphasis be placed on these foods in ads instead of developing artificial things? The first answer is because natural foods have a low percentage of plant sterols, and the second answer is based on the fact that just as there are canned lentils, there are also loose ingredients to prepare them at home.
Danacol is not the most recommended, but when combined with a varied diet, it increases the percentage of plant sterols, increasing the chances of lowering bad cholesterol.
Likewise, the European Food Safety Agency gave the go-ahead after numerous real tests in men and women with high cholesterol. Similarly, the OCU (Organization of Consumers and Users) also gave the green light to the Danone product.
Varieties
Danacol is available in different varieties and flavors. The classics are the drinkable formats, although they have also launched a recent yogurt to eat with a spoon.
- natural liquid without sugar. Danacol Natural Sugar Free is available in Natural, Strawberry or Lemon Lime flavor. They are all without added sugar, so the original recipe has been greatly improved. The ingredients of liquid natural Danacol in its different flavors do not vary practically, so the nutrients provided are similar.
- liquid with oats. In this case, the only change in ingredients has been to replace oligofructose with oatmeal (0%). The presence of oats is not significant and will mostly provide simple carbohydrates, without the beneficial properties of this cereal.
- Walnut and oat yogurt. The new Danacol format contains a flavor similar to the oat drink, although among its ingredients we only find 1% walnuts and 1% oats. It's not a huge amount either, so we'll choose this yogurt purely for preference on how to eat it.
Contraindications of Danacol
We already know that it does work, as long as the requirements are met and we don't take it as a miracle or "self-medicate", but we must put ourselves in the hands of a specialist. But like everything in life, there is a positive and a negative part, Danacol has certain contraindications that must be kept in mind.
For example, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume this beverage. First, because there is no scientific evidence to the contrary, so as a precaution, it is recommended not to consume it. And second, because plant sterols reduce cholesterol, and cholesterol is essential for producing growth hormones and hormones for vital tissues.
Children also can't drink that small glass because their bodies wouldn't properly absorb vitamins A, B , and E. Furthermore, cholesterol is beneficial for producing growth hormone.
Regarding diabetics, technically and according to the Danone website, they could consume it because it does not contain high amounts of sugar, only sugars naturally present in the composition and not added. Even so, it is best to consult with a doctor and opt for a varied diet and exercise.
On the other hand, diarrhea is possible . As it is a dairy product containing lactose, sensitive or intolerant individuals may experience intestinal discomfort. It is not necessary to consume a large quantity for these symptoms to appear. If this occurs, it is recommended to stop consuming it immediately. In that case, the benefits do not outweigh the risks.
Recommended amount of plant sterols
The daily intake of phytosterols and phytostanols varies substantially depending on the food eaten, be they fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, or even products such as Benecol (from the Kaiku brand), Danacol, and Flora ProActiv, among others. .
Generally speaking, an average adult should not exceed 3 grams of plant sterols per day , according to the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Foundation. This is because it has not been scientifically proven that the more we take, the more our bad cholesterol is reduced in the body.
Danacol website
How should it be taken?
Taking Danacol is not as easy as it seems. This dairy dessert has some guidelines that are recommended to follow to take advantage of its health benefits.
How many to take a day?
Following the previous premise, and taking into account that we have to eat a varied diet rich in nuts, legumes, seeds, fruits and vegetables, added to the bottle of Danacol, it is already a sufficient amount of plant sterols in one day. Even so, even if our diet is unbalanced or varied, more than 2 little bottles a day are not recommended.
The recommended amount is just one per day , but let's say we spilled half, for example. As an exception, we could open another one and take it. What we absolutely must not do is try to compensate. In other words, if we didn't take it yesterday because we were out all day, we shouldn't take two bottles today. There is no scientific evidence that this is a suitable solution.
What is the best time?
Any time of day is good. Danacol supposedly acts on intestinal cholesterol, partially preventing its absorption and thus promoting cholesterol elimination. However, the brand recommends taking it right after the main meal, as it is one of the most substantial meals of the day.
Even so, there is no scientific evidence to support an ideal time of day to take Danacol. Also, it should not be forgotten that it is not a miracle product.
When are the results noticeable?
One Danacol from Danone a day as part of a healthy diet allows you to reduce cholesterol in a 100% natural way in two or three weeks. However, these effects are due to improvements in lifestyle habits.
According to the brand, the effectiveness of plant sterols is optimal when taken regularly, although forgetting to take the product one day should not influence the results. Therefore, if one day we have forgotten it, it should not influence cholesterol. Basically because it is not in charge of regulating our blood lipids.
Can it be taken with cholesterol pills?
People who resort to this type of product is because they have detected that their cholesterol values ​​are outside the appropriate range. However, if a doctor has recommended the use of pills to control levels, a Danacol cannot be substituted.
Some medicines, such as Simvastatin, belong to the statin family and are used to lower blood cholesterol levels. In these cases, a prescription is needed, so it differs in many things from the milk drink. Mainly, drugs have been tested to check their function. With Danacol it cannot be said that the research shows conclusive results.
In principle there should be no risk in taking cholesterol pills together with Danacol. However, it is recommended to discuss it with the doctor.
Other brands
There are other brands that imitate Danacol in properties and format.
benecol
Benecol is Kaiku's cholesterol-lowering product, while Danacol is from Danone. We may think that both contain identical nutrients, but they actually have slight differences.
Sterols (Danacol) are absorbed at a rate of 0,5-1,9%, while stanols are absorbed at a rate of 0,04-0,16%. This is one of the differences between Danacol and Benecol: Danacol has higher intestinal absorption rates than Benecol. This means that Benecol is practically not absorbed , barely enters the bloodstream, and is eliminated from the body more easily than Danacol.
Danacol contains 1,6 grams of plant sterols in each bottle while Benecol contains 2 grams of plant stanols per bottle. Danacol warns that the daily consumption of 3 grams per day should not be exceeded. However, Benecol initially recommended 2 grams daily, but its dose has been shown to be increased to 9 grams. This means that to notice certain changes we would have to drink about five bottles a day. This is only worrying because of what it means economically, but it gives the assurance that if we take two Benecol a day nothing happens and we would be consuming 4 grams of stanols.
So they are two similar products, made with different molecules but both are authorized by the European Union and whose effectiveness has been scientifically proven. However, Benecol's stanols are less absorbed in our intestines and therefore hardly accumulate, giving me the flexibility to take more.
kaikucol
Kaikucol contains among its ingredients plant sterols or phytosterols, a compound that has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. Each bottle of Kaikucol contains 1,6 grams of plant sterols, the same amount as Danacol. Thus, a daily dose of 1,5 to 2,4 grams of this ingredient has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol between 7 and 10% after consumption for 2 to 3 weeks.
In addition, Kaikucol contains vitamin B1 that contributes to normal energy metabolism and the proper functioning of the nervous system and heart. Thus, a 65 ml bottle of Kaikucol helps to reach approximately 16% of the recommended reference values ​​of vitamin B1 or thiamine.
If we want to choose a healthier Kaikucol, it is recommended to opt for the versions without added sugar. They exist in a natural, strawberry or pomegranate-lemon flavor, and they provide less than 30 calories per serving.
carecol
Cuidacol is Mercadona's dairy product for controlling cholesterol. It is composed of " pasteurized skimmed milk, plant sterol esters (3,4%), skimmed milk powder, modified corn starch, thickener (pectin), lactic ferments, flavorings, sweeteners (sucralose and acesulfame potassium), preservative (potassium sorbate) ".
It provides 47 calories per 100 grams of product, as well as 1 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. Continuing with the previous recommendation, Mercadona's Cuidacol provides more sterols than Danacol itself. This will help to reach the recommended dose sooner, without the need to take several small bottles of this product.
Its price is €2 for the package of 80 bottles, almost half the price of Danacol. So it is not only interesting for its sterol content, but also to save.