Tag

Cholesterol

All articles tagged with #cholesterol

Dietary guidelines promise science, but bias still steers them
lifestyle3 hours ago

Dietary guidelines promise science, but bias still steers them

Unearthed columnist Tamar Haspel argues the Trump administration’s new Dietary Guidelines claim to be evidence-based, yet bias and cherry-picked data permeate the recommendations (notably treating red meat, butter, and even tallow as favorable while sidestepping alcohol). She concedes the core rule—limiting saturated fat to about 10% of calories—would generally be healthful, but the framing and specifics are compromised by political influence.

Seven Days of Oatmeal: A Dietitian’s Breakfast Experiment
health6 days ago

Seven Days of Oatmeal: A Dietitian’s Breakfast Experiment

A dietitian eats oatmeal every morning for a week, fortifying bowls with nut butter and berries to boost satiety. She notes sustained energy, regular digestion, and only mild boredom by day five, ultimately affirming oatmeal’s health benefits—especially beta-glucan’s role in lowering LDL cholesterol, supporting heart and gut health, and aiding blood-sugar management—while acknowledging gluten concerns for sensitive individuals and the value of varying breakfasts to keep meals enjoyable.

Lancet findings reinforce statins' safety amid anti-statin myths
health7 days ago

Lancet findings reinforce statins' safety amid anti-statin myths

A large Lancet analysis pooling data from over 120,000 patients across 19 randomized trials finds that statins do not meaningfully increase most side effects and their cardiovascular benefits far outweigh potential risks. The piece attributes the ongoing “statin hysteria” to misinformation and celebrity/aut online narratives, noting past observational studies were misinterpreted and that skeptics persist despite this stronger evidence.

Mars organics puzzle, cholesterol‑cutting drug, and 93% sleep apnea breakthrough dominate this week's science
science12 days ago

Mars organics puzzle, cholesterol‑cutting drug, and 93% sleep apnea breakthrough dominate this week's science

A ScienceAlert weekly briefing highlights a Mars organics puzzle unsolved by non-biological processes; TLC-2716 reduces remnant cholesterol by up to 61% in a short trial; an implant-based sleep apnea treatment reports a 93% success rate; Alzheimer's linked to disrupted brain replay in mice; brain-aging reversal seen in lab by boosting DMTF1; and a Milky Way core model proposes fermionic dark matter rather than a black hole.

High-Dose Oats Over 2 Days Cut LDL by 10%, Study Finds
health25 days ago

High-Dose Oats Over 2 Days Cut LDL by 10%, Study Finds

Two parallel randomized trials found that a two-day oatmeal-only diet lowered LDL and total cholesterol by about 10% with effects lasting six weeks, while six weeks of replacing one daily meal with oats did not change cholesterol. The benefit is linked to rapid gut microbiome shifts and oat phenolics from a high-dose oat exposure, suggesting short, intensive oat interventions may aid cholesterol management but are not a substitute for an overall heart-healthy diet.

Oats for two days cut LDL cholesterol in Bonn study
health27 days ago

Oats for two days cut LDL cholesterol in Bonn study

In a University of Bonn study, 32 adults with metabolic syndrome followed a calorie-restricted, oat-heavy breakfast for two days. LDL cholesterol fell about 10% within 48 hours, participants lost about 2 kg (4.5 lb), and blood pressure dipped slightly; the cholesterol reduction persisted for six weeks after returning to their usual Western diet, likely via gut bacteria metabolizing oats and producing metabolites that help cholesterol metabolism.

Blocking SCoR2 Could Halt Fat Production and Lower Cholesterol
science-health28 days ago

Blocking SCoR2 Could Halt Fat Production and Lower Cholesterol

A Cleveland team identified SCoR2, an enzyme that removes nitric oxide from proteins controlling fat storage and production. In mice, inhibiting SCoR2 prevented weight gain, reduced liver damage, and lowered cholesterol, suggesting a first‑in‑class drug could treat obesity and cardiovascular disease, with clinical trials anticipated in about 18 months.

health1 month ago

Cardiologist debunks eight cholesterol myths

A consultant cardiologist busts eight common cholesterol myths, stressing that slim people can have high LDL, total cholesterol alone isn’t a reliable risk measure, and that cholesterol levels change with age and menopause; familial hypercholesterolaemia can cause early heart disease, HDL isn’t always protective, dietary cholesterol like eggs has a smaller impact than saturated fat, and statins aren’t a license to splurge on unhealthy foods. For management, doctors rely on detailed lipid profiles (TC, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and risk scores, with diet helping but often medication needed.

Small Food Swaps for a Stronger Heart
health1 month ago

Small Food Swaps for a Stronger Heart

Dietitian Matthew Landry highlights three easy swaps to lower heart-disease risk: cook with olive oil instead of butter, swap red/processed meats for poultry or fish, and choose whole-grain over white carbs. He notes unsaturated fats, higher fiber, and plant-based proteins support heart health, fitting within Mediterranean-style guidelines; a 2023 twin study linked vegan diets with lower LDL and insulin, reinforcing that small dietary changes can add up to meaningful risk reductions.

What the Evidence Reveals About Statins and Health Concerns
health1 month ago

What the Evidence Reveals About Statins and Health Concerns

Statins are effective in reducing heart attack and stroke risk by lowering LDL cholesterol, with large clinical trials supporting their use, especially for high-risk individuals. While they have potential side effects like muscle issues and interactions with other drugs, most people tolerate them well. Lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are also crucial for managing cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, and treatment should be personalized based on individual risk factors and lifestyle.