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Diet and Cholesterol Levels

Dietary Fats

There is a significant amount of controversy about the relationship of dietary fat and cholesterol and their degree of impact on elevated risk for heart disease.

The controversy primarily surrounds the degree of elevated risk brought on by high fat diets and high levels of cholesterol, as opposed to a question of whether these two elements do in fact act as contributors. It is accepted that high fat diets and high cholesterol do indeed contribute to cardiovascular disease, the debate surrounds to what extent.

It is important to understand the role that dietary fats play in terms of cholesterol levels. Learn about the factors below.

There are a number of factors that contribute to elevated risk for heart disease.

These include:

• High fat consumption (particularly saturated fats)

• Obesity

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Family history of heart disease

• Smoking

• Stress

• How fat influences cholesterol

Many experts believe that reducing fat intake is of even greater importance in lessening the risk of developing heart disease than is eating less cholesterol. Researchers believe that no more than 30% of daily calories consumed should come from fats. Today, the average American consumes over 40% of daily calories from fat.

Particularly important in these numbers is that many Americans' daily fat intake includes the majority of fat from saturated fats (meats, cheese, fried foods). As a goal, Americans should consume less fat, and the fat consumed should derive as much as possible from polyunsaturated fats (vegetables, fish). The reason for this is that saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels, whereas polyunsaturated fats actually lower them. Recent research has proven that a diet high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats is effective in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol, while maintaining levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

The message about fat and cholesterol is clear. Strive to consume no more than 30% of calories daily from fat, and aim to make this 30% of calories from fat every day come from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

 

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Homepage | Lipitor | About Cholesterol | Cholesterol & the Body | Cholesterol & Triglycerides | Cholesterol & Dietary Fats
Cholesterol in Children | Cholesterol FAQs | Understanding Lipids | The Lipid Panel Test | Web Resources