More possible evidence for trans fats induced heart disease

There is significant evidence that supports a negative trend in cholesterol ratios as a result of trans fat intake: increased trans fat intake increased the concentration of LDL ("bad cholesterol") in the blood (as does saturated fat), and (unlike saturated fat) decreases the concentration of HDL ("good cholesterol"). This impacts the ratio of total-to-HDL cholesterol, which has been found to be the more reliable indicator of heart disease risk. In addition, trans fats raise the level of lipoprotein (a) and plasma triglyceride levels, both of which are associated with an increased risk of CHD. Whether these changes in levels mean anything is open to debate. The review cites the Lyon heart study, where switching to a Mediterranean diet cut heart disease by 73%, even though cholesterol levels remained unchanged!

Previous | Next

Last Modification - December 9, 2006