Low concentrations of HDL in plasma are a strong predictor of risk for coronary as well as other cardiovascular diseases. In controlled trials, low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets decrease HDL concentrations. The effect is strongest when carbohydrates replace saturated fatty acids. The effect is seen in both short- and long-term trials and therefore appears to be permanent.

Hirsch J.,et al. "Effect of Low-fat Diets on Plasma High-density Lipoprotein Concentrations." Am Soc Clin Nut. March 1998

Comment: HDL is "good" cholesterol, saturated fats are animal fats. Therefore, some cream and butter is a better bet for your heart than a lot of pasta. Another way to raise HDL cholesterol is eggs. "In Fitness and In Health" by Philp Maffetone reports studies that show "eating whole eggs daily for six weeks significantly raised the good HDL cholesterol."

© Health Equations 2002

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