Cholesterol, a waxy substance made from lipids, is an essential component of cell membranes. Cholesterol also contributes to the structure of certain hormones that influence digestion, cognition and sexual function. Your body manufactures cholesterol from dietary fats and cholesterol is present in many foods. Excess levels of cholesterol -- a result of the combination of diet, lifestyle and genetics -- can lead to cardiovascular disease. Research has unraveled some of the mystery behind cholesterol's health effects, with much remaining to be learned.
Genetic Factors
Assessing your genetic predisposition to developing high cholesterol levels -- known as familial hypercholesterolemia -- involves several genes and remains a scientific puzzle, according to a report published in the 2011 issue of the journal "Nutrition and Metabolism." Recent discovery of new genes that modify genes known to influence cholesterol metabolism has added to the complexity of diagnosing familial hypercholesterolemia. As a result, costs of testing for this aspect of cardiovascular disease risk are high and cost-effectiveness is low, at this time.
LDL Types
Various forms of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, the bad form of cholesterol, have been shown to influence the risk for atherosclerosis, say authors of a study published in the 2011 issue of the "Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis." Small dense LDL particles are more likely to promote plaque formation that leads to increased cardiovascular disease risk. In the test tube study, researchers analyzed LDL cholesterol from patients with high triglyceride levels and found that small dense LDL particles were more susceptible to oxidation and caused more accumulation of triglycerides in white blood cells -- one of the processes that leads to arterial plaque formation.
Unsaturated Fats
Switching to a diet high in unsaturated fats may reduce your cholesterol levels, according to a study published in the April 2011 issue of the journal "Angiology." In this laboratory animal study, eight weeks of a high-saturated fat diet were followed by 16 weeks of a diet in which half the saturated fats were replaced with monounsaturated fats. The unsaturated-fat rich diet resulted in decreased total cholesterol levels and decreased LDL levels, in this preliminary animal study, leading researchers to conclude that unsaturated fats in the diet may reduce diet-related high cholesterol levels.
Palm Oil
Avoid palmitic acid to prevent atherosclerosis, say researchers of a study published in the journal "Klinicheskaia Laboratornaia Diagnostika." Palmitic acid, a saturated fat, is found in plant oils such as palm and coconut oils. Excessive levels of palmitic acid lead to higher levels of small dense LDL particles, which are more prone to interact with white blood cells and form atherosclerotic plaques. Palmitic acid also increases inflammation and apoptosis -- programmed cell death -- in white blood cells, which accelerates atherosclerosis.
References
- "Nutrition and Metabolism"; Familial Hypercholesterolemia: The Lipids or the Genes?, G. Fahed, et al.; April 2011
- "Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis"; Small Dense LDL Enhances THP-1 Macrophage Foam Cell Formation; M. Tani, et al.; April 2011
- "Angiology"; A Diet Rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids Improves the Lipid Profile of Mice Previously on a Diet Rich in Saturated Fatty Acids; C. Arapostathi, et al.; April 2011
- "Klinicheskaia Laboratornaia Diagnostika"; Prevention of Atherosclerosis. Excess Palmitic Acid in Food Is a Cause of Hypercholesterolemia, Inflammatory Syndrome, Insulin Resistance in Myocytes and Apoptosis; February 2011
- "The Everything Low Cholesterol Book"; Murdoc Khaleghi; 2011
