Tag

Cholesterol

All articles tagged with #cholesterol

health1 day ago•56 min saved

Daily Avocado Habit Linked to Lower LDL, New Study Finds

A six-month Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial with 786 adults found that adding one avocado per day to the diet lowered LDL cholesterol by about 49 nmol/L and could translate to roughly a 4% lower risk of heart disease, a modest but meaningful improvement. Avocados provide monounsaturated fats, phytosterols, and fiber, which help explain the benefit, especially when replacing foods high in saturated fat. Experts say avocado is not a magic bullet and emphasize a broader heart-healthy lifestyle—plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, regular exercise, and medications when prescribed. The study was funded by the Avocado Nutrition Center, but researchers say the sponsor did not influence the study design or interpretation.

via AOL.com|

#avocado #cholesterol #diet

health8 days ago•4 min saved

Five Burgers a Week Yield Surprising LDL Drop, Study Finds

A Nutrients study followed 23 men who ate five burgers per week for five weeks. Those who consumed high-fat beef (≈25% fat) showed reductions in LDL cholesterol and blood pressure and improved flow-mediated dilation (blood vessel function), while low-fat beef did not improve vessel function. Interestingly, both burger types lowered HDL (“good”) cholesterol, challenging the idea that saturated fat from red meat always harms heart health.

via New York Post|

#blood-pressure #burgers #cholesterol

health9 days ago•60 min saved

Eggs and Liver Health: A Hepatologist Explains the Nuanced View

A hepatologist notes that eggs sit in a gray area for liver health: they provide satiating protein and choline that can support the liver, but their cholesterol content means effects vary with overall diet and metabolic health. Studies on egg intake and MASLD/NAFLD conflict—some show higher risk with limited eggs, others show no association and suggest choline may be protective. For healthy individuals, 1–2 eggs daily can fit in a balanced diet, but those with high cholesterol may want to eat them less often. Emphasize liver-friendly breakfasts with whole foods (Greek yogurt or plant proteins, fiber-rich toast with avocado) and beverages like coffee/tea, while avoiding sugar-heavy pastries and fruit juice and limiting processed meats.

via AOL.com|

#breakfast #cholesterol #eggs

lifestyle9 days ago•12 min saved

Psyllium husk: separating hype from reality in ‘nature’s Ozempic’ claims

The piece explains psyllium husk as a high-fiber supplement that forms a gel when mixed with water and can aid digestion, cholesterol, and blood sugar; experts say it isn’t a magic fix like GLP-1 drugs, though some studies show LDL reductions and improved glucose control. The powder is recommended for gradual dosing (start around 3 g) with plenty of water (about 500 ml per 20 g of fiber) to avoid gut issues, and it can be added to smoothies or homemade jams. While it may help with certain conditions, it won’t guarantee weight loss, and people with Crohn’s disease or those on medications should consult a doctor due to absorption concerns. Price is affordable (about £4 for 100 g), and the overall message is to prioritize a varied, fiber-rich diet and use psyllium as a supplement rather than a cure-all.

via The Independent|

#cholesterol #gut-health #lifestyle

health10 days ago•5 min saved

New US Guidelines Push Early Lipid Control to Fight Heart Disease

US cardiologists updated the 2018 cholesterol guidelines, emphasizing earlier treatment of dyslipidemia to cut lifetime ASCVD risk. Key changes include screening starting in childhood (as young as 9–11, potentially earlier with family history), a new PREVENT risk calculator to personalize 10-year and 30-year cardiovascular risk, LDL targets of <100 mg/dL for borderline/intermediate risk, <70 mg/dL for high risk, and <55 mg/dL for very high risk, and a broader use of therapies (statins and other lipid-lowering drugs) alongside lifestyle changes to reduce long-term heart attack and stroke risk.

via ScienceAlert|

#ascvd #cholesterol #dyslipidemia

health11 days ago•3 min saved

Very High LDL Triggers Aggressive Statin Therapy, Roach Says

In a health Q&A, Dr. Roach explains that an LDL over 190 mg/dL carries high cardiovascular risk, so statin therapy is recommended—even for younger patients—though the dose is debated. A patient on rosuvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe is reasonable, but many clinicians tailor dosing to reach LDL goals (often <70 mg/dL) by starting lower and titrating. In a second question, diet sodas can erode tooth enamel and may influence gut microbiome and future glucose control; they don’t reliably raise A1C in the short term, but water is best, with sugar-sweetened beverages worse for health.

via The Detroit News|

#cholesterol #diet-soda #ezetimibe

health12 days ago•61 min saved

Guideline Shift Expands Statin Eligibility to 87.5 Million Americans

A JAMA analysis of the 2026 ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines shows 21.5 million more U.S. adults now qualify for statins, bringing the total to about 87.5 million. The expansion focuses on long-term lifetime risk rather than just 10-year risk, with older adults and people with risk factors more likely to qualify. Whether to start a statin should be individualized, possibly aided by tests like coronary calcium scoring, alongside lifestyle changes; statins are generally safe with mostly minor side effects.

via AOL.com|

#cardiovascular-disease #cholesterol #guidelines

health15 days ago•4 min saved

Full-fat dairy may offer heart-healthy perks, new study suggests

A Canadian 12-week trial with 74 overweight adults showed that three daily servings of full-fat dairy, across varied calorie targets, did not alter weight, body composition, or cholesterol. Those consuming more dairy had lower blood pressure and higher intakes of calcium, protein and vitamin D. The results support the dairy-matrix concept and align with updated USDA guidelines favoring full-fat dairy in moderation, though the study's small size and short duration warrant more research.

via USA Today|

#blood-pressure #cholesterol #dairy

wellbeing18 days ago•20 min saved

Lp(a) test reveals a hidden heart-health risk beyond routine cholesterol checks

Lipoprotein(a) is a genetically driven particle not included in standard lipid panels; checking its level can uncover additional cardiovascular risk beyond LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, highlighting why Lp(a) testing matters for a fuller view of heart health.

via The Washington Post|

#cholesterol #genetics #heart-health

medical-research-news18 days ago•9 min saved

OU study ties cholesterol use to pancreatic cancer resilience, tests statin combo therapy

University of Oklahoma researchers have received a five-year, $2 million NCI grant to study how pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma reprograms cholesterol metabolism, guided by the RNA-binding protein ZC3H15, which helps cancer cells resist chemotherapy and undergo EMT. The team will use patient-derived models and mice to uncover cholesterol-driven survival mechanisms and will evaluate adding rosuvastatin to FOLFIRINOX to improve treatment effectiveness.

via News-Medical|

#chemotherapy #cholesterol #epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition

health18 days ago•3 min saved

Viagra's Secret: Sildenafil May Slow Cancer Spread by Blocking Cellular Cholesterol

A Weizmann Institute study (with U.S. data) suggests sildenafil (Viagra) can limit cancer’s ability to metastasize by disrupting cholesterol use inside cells via PDE5 inhibition and higher cGMP; researchers propose combining Viagra-related drugs with statins to slow spread. However, findings are observational and based on mouse data, so not yet proven in humans.

via LiveNOW from FOX|

#cancer-metastasis #cholesterol #health

health19 days ago•4 min saved

AHA Reframes Caffeine: Moderate Coffee Is Generally Safe for Most Adults

The American Heart Association now says moderate caffeine intake—up to 400 mg per day (about five cups of coffee)—is generally safe for most adults and may offer cardiovascular benefits, with coffee’s antioxidants likely contributing beyond caffeine. Brewing matters, as unfiltered coffee can raise LDL cholesterol via cafestol, while energy drinks are not equivalent. Evidence shows 1–3 cups of caffeinated coffee do not increase atrial fibrillation risk but may raise premature ventricular contractions in some people; black coffee is linked to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, though added sugars can negate benefits. Those with palpitations, sleep issues, pregnancy, or uncontrolled hypertension should consult a clinician for personalized guidance.

via ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4|

#aha #caffeine #cholesterol

science19 days ago•8 min saved

Viagra May Slow Cancer Spread by Trapping Cholesterol, Study Finds

Sildenafil (Viagra) appears to disrupt cholesterol trafficking in cancer cells, limiting their ability to spread in mouse models of breast, lung, and colon cancer, while a retrospective analysis of health records from over 40,000 male cancer patients linked combined sildenafil and statin use to about a 31% lower five-year mortality versus neither drug. The results are observational and require clinical trials to confirm causality.

via StudyFinds|

#cancer #cholesterol #metastasis

health19 days ago•79 min saved

Statins and Blood Pressure: Tiny Drops, Real Guidance

Statins are prescribed to lower cholesterol, not to lower blood pressure, but some research shows they can cause a small, gradual BP decrease in certain people over time due to improved endothelial function, reduced vessel inflammation, and plaque stabilization; the effect is typically modest. If you notice a drop in blood pressure after starting a statin, don’t stop the medication on your own—recheck readings after resting and discuss with your doctor, while considering other factors like dehydration or other meds. Keep a log of readings and symptoms and seek guidance if readings are repeatedly low or accompanied by dizziness or fainting.

via Woman's World|

#blood-pressure #cardiovascular-health #cholesterol

health20 days ago•6 min saved

Sildenafil may curb cancer spread, study suggests

A Weizmann Institute study suggests sildenafil (Viagra’s active ingredient) may slow cancer metastasis by disrupting how cancer cells use cholesterol, potentially reducing the spread to distant tumors. The work combines human data, cell and mouse experiments, and suggests that pairing PDE5 inhibitors with statins could help limit tumor spread, but the human evidence is observational and does not prove causation; more research is needed before clinical application.

via Fox News|

#cancer #cholesterol #health