- High cholesterol is responsible for about 2.6 million deaths globally every year.
- Previous studies have suggested that certain diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, can help lower ‘bad’ cholesterol levels.
- Researchers from Lausanne University have found contrary evidence suggesting following the Mediterranean diet may not have as much impact on cholesterol levels as previously reported.
Researchers estimate that high cholesterol causes about 2.6 million deaths around the world each year.
High cholesterol is caused by an increased level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, in the body.
Although genetics and some medications can cause heightened LDL cholesterol levels, most times the main culprit is an unhealthy diet.
Over the past few years, scientists have found that certain diets, such as the DASH diet,
Now, however, researchers from Lausanne University in Switzerland have found contrary evidence, suggesting that following the Mediterranean diet may not have as much impact on cholesterol levels as previously reported.
The study was recently published in the journal Nutrients.
The Mediterranean diet is considered very healthy thanks of its focus on vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats, and its emphasis on fish and seafood for protein.
Previous research has shown that some of the foods emphasized in the Mediterranean diet can help lower LDL cholesterol. These include
A study published in May 2017 discovered that adherence to the Mediterranean diet — particularly when enriched with virgin olive oil —
Research published in July 2020 found that switching study participants with overweight and obesity to a Mediterranean…
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