Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in all parts of the body. Just like sodium, cholesterol is essential for your body to function properly, but you only need a small amount of it. Low-density lipoprotein, often referred to by its acronym LDL, is "bad" cholesterol--meaning too much of it raises your risk factor for disease like heart disease. High-density lipoprotein, often called HDL, is good cholesterol because it helps to prevent clogged arteries.
Eco-Atkins Diet
Overweight people with high LDL cholesterol levels who consume an Eco-Atkins diet for four weeks experience improvements in blood cholesterol levels, according to a study supported by the Canadian Research Chair Program of the Federal Government of Canada. The Eco-Atkins diet features meal plans low in carbohydrates and high in plant-based proteins. Low-carbohydrate diets that are high in animal proteins are effective in inducing weight loss but tend to increase levels of LDL cholesterol. The results, published in the June 2009 issue of the medical journal "Archives of Internal Medicine," also found the 22 participants who ate an Eco-Atkins diet lost about 8.8 lbs. and had statistically lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings than participants who ate a high-carbohydrate diet.
Gluten-Free Vegan Diet
Eating a gluten-free vegan diet reduces LDL cholesterol levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study conducted by the Rheumatology Unit at Karolinska Institute at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Gluten is a type of protein found in some grains. A vegan eats a vegetarian diet that excludes dairy, eggs and other animal products. The control group in this study ate a well-balanced, non-vegan diet. The results, published in the March 18, 2008 issue of the medical journal "Arthritis Research and Therapy," found the 38 participants who ate a gluten-free vegan diet for 12 months had greater reduction in LDL levels than the control group and also reduced their body mass index number.
Low-Fat, High-Carbohydrate Diet
The long term effects of a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet may not be beneficial and include reducing levels of HDL cholesterol, according to an editorial by Martijn B. Katan, Ph.D., a member of the Dutch Health Council and a professor at the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences. The editorial analysis published in the September 4, 2010 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," shows the results a review of past clinical trials found that carbohydrates reduce HDL.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Plant-Based, Low-Carb Diet May Promote Weight Loss; David J.A. Jenkins, M.D. et al; Jun. 2009
- "Arthritis Research and Therapy"; Gluten-Free Vegan Diet Reduces LDL; A.C. Elkan et al; Mar. 2008
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Macadamia Nut Consumption Lowers LDL Cholesterol Levels; M.L. Garg et al; Apr. 2003
- MayoClinic.com: Cholesterol Levels, What Numbers Should You Aim For
