High-fat diets reduce inflammation compared to low fat diets

This study was published in Lipids 2008 Jan;43(1):65-77

 

Study title and authors:

Comparison of low fat and low carbohydrate diets on circulating fatty acid composition and markers of inflammation.

Forsythe CE, Phinney SD, Fernandez ML, Quann EE, Wood RJ, Bibus DM, Kraemer WJ, Feinman RD, Volek JS.
Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, 2095 Hillside Road, Unit 1110, Storrs, CT, 06269-1110, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18046594

Inflammation is an important risk factor in metabolic syndrome, diabetes and heart disease. This study tested the effects of low-fat and high-fat diets on markers of inflammation. This was a 12 week randomised, controlled, dietary intervention trial and included 40 overweight men and women, aged 18-55 years.

The subjects consumed diets of either:
(i) 12% carbohydrate, 59% fat, 28% protein. (High-fat diet).
(ii) 56% carbohydrate, 24% fat, 20% protein. (Low-fat diet).

The study found there was an overall greater anti-inflammatory effect associated with the high-fat diet, as evidenced by greater decreases in inflammatory markers such as: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecules, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

The results of the study reveal that a high-fat diet reduces inflammation compared to a low fat diet.

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Women with higher cholesterol levels have significantly higher bone mineral density

This study was published in the Journal of Womens Health 2006 Apr;15(3):261-70

 

Study title and authors:

Lipid profile and bone paradox: higher serum lipids are associated with higher bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

Brownbill RA, Ilich JZ.

University of Connecticut, School of Allied Health, Storrs, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16620185

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and bone mineral density. The study included 136 healthy, postmenopausal women.  

The study found that women with cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L) had significantly higher bone mineral density than women with cholesterol levels below 240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L).

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Breast feeding is associated with a decreased risk of been overweight in later life

This study was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology 2005 Sep 1;162(5):397-403

 

Study title and authors:

Duration of breastfeeding and risk of overweight: a meta-analysis.

Harder T, Bergmann R, Kallischnigg G, Plagemann A.

Clinic of Obstetrics, Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Charité-University Medicine, Berlin, Germany. thomas.harder@charite.de

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16076830

This paper is an analysis of 17 studies that investigated the connection between breastfeeding and the risk of been overweight in later life.

The study found:
(a) Compared to those who were exclusively formula-fed, those who were breastfed for 1-3 months had a 19% decreased risk of been overweight in later life.
(b) Compared to those who were exclusively formula-fed, those who were breastfed for 4-6 months had a 24% decreased risk of been overweight in later life.
(c) Compared to those who were exclusively formula-fed, those who were breastfed for 7-9 months had a 33% decreased risk of been overweight in later life.
(d) Compared to those who were exclusively formula-fed, those who were breastfed for more than 9 months had a 32% decreased risk of been overweight in later life.

The data from the study reveals that a longer duration of breast feeding (up to nine months) is associated with a decreased risk of been overweight in later life.

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High soy consumption associated with an 18% increased risk of diabetes

This study was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2011 Feb;65(2):279-82

Study title and authors:
Soy consumption is not protective against diabetes in Hawaii: the Multiethnic Cohort.

Morimoto Y, Steinbrecher A, Kolonel LN, Maskarinec G.
Department of Epidemiology, Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii, 1236 Lauhala Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. morimoto@crch.hawaii.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20924394

The study examined the association of soy intake with the risk of diabetes. The study included 75,344 men and women, aged 45-75 years, who were followed for 14 years.

The study found that those who had the highest soy consumption had a 18% increased risk of diabetes compared to those who consumed the least soy.

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In patients undergoing treatment for bladder cancer, statins are significantly associated with an increased risk of tumor progression

This study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine 2006 Dec 21;355(25):2705-7

 

Study title and authors:

Use of statins and outcome of BCG treatment for bladder cancer.

Hoffmann P, Roumeguère T, Schulman C, van Velthoven R.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17183004

This study investigated the association between statins and bladder cancer. The study, which lasted for 46 months, analyzed the clinical outcomes of 84 patients who had received the bacille Calmette–Guérin vaccine for the treatment of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

The study found:
(a) In 53% of the patients who took statins, the tumor became more aggressive, whereas this change occurred in only 18% of the patients who did not take statins.
(b) 42% of the patients in the statin group had to undergo radical cystectomy, (radical cystectomy is the removal of the entire bladder, nearby lymph nodes, part of the urethra, and nearby organs that may contain cancer cells), as compared with only 14% of the patients who did not take statins.

In patients undergoing treatment for bladder cancer, the use of statins was significantly associated with an increased risk of tumor progression and a subsequent need for radical cystectomy.

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Red meat is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes

This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2012 Mar;95(3):752-8

Study title and authors:
Associations of processed meat and unprocessed red meat intake with incident diabetes: the Strong Heart Family Study.

Fretts AM, Howard BV, McKnight B, Duncan GE, Beresford SA, Mete M, Eilat-Adar S, Zhang Y, Siscovick DS.
Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22277554

The study investigated the relationship between meat consumption and diabetes. The study included 243 participants with diabetes.

The study found:
(a) Those who consumed the most unprocessed red meat had a 10% reduced risk of diabetes compared to those who consumed the least unprocessed red meat.
(b) Those who consumed the most processed meat had a 63% increased risk of diabetes compared to those who consumed the least unprocessed red meat.

The data from the study reveals unprocessed red meat is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes whereas processed meat is associated with a higher risk of diabetes.

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour

This study was published in Psychiatria Polska 1996 Sep-Oct;30(5):699-712

Study title and authors:
The study of the relationship between cholesterol and lipid concentration and suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia affective illness
Rybakowski J, Ainiyet J, Szajnerman Z, Zakrzewska M.
Kliniki Psychiatrii Dorosłych AM w Poznaniu.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8984512

This study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with suicidal behaviour in patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Cholesterol levels were recorded in 143 patients with either schizophrenia, depression, or mania.

The study found:
(a)  Patients with suicidal behaviours had significantly lower levels of cholesterol compared with patients without such behaviours.
(b) Patients with suicidal behaviours had significantly lower levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol compared with patients without such behaviours.

The finding of the study reveal that low cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour in patients with psychiatric disorders.

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Statins impair energy production and promote muscle damage

This study was published in Muscle and Nerve 2011 Jan;43(1):76-81

Study title and authors:
Evaluation of skeletal muscle during calf exercise by 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy in patients on statin medications.

Wu JS, Buettner C, Smithline H, Ngo LH, Greenman RL.
Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. jswu@bidmc.harvard.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21171098

Phosphocreatine is a substance that is fundamental to the ability of the body to produce muscular energy.

Elevated blood levels of creatine kinase are indicative of muscle damage.

The study investigated the association of statin treatment on recovery from exercise. The study included ten patients, (who were subject to a four-week regimen of statin therapy), who had their phosphocreatine and creatine kinase levels measured pre- and post-statin therapy.

The study found:
(a) Phosphocreatine levels took 97% longer to recover from exercise after statin therapy.
(b) Creatine kinase levels rose by 17.7% after statin therapy.

The results of the study suggest that statin therapy may impair energy production and promote muscle damage.

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Eating meat is associated with better mental health

This study was published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2012 Jun 7;9(1):67

Study title and authors:
Vegetarian diet and mental disorders: results from a representative community survey.

Michalak J, Zhang XC, Jacobi F.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22676203

The study investigated the association between meat eaters or vegetarians and mental disorders. The study included 4,181 participants, aged 18 to 65 years and examined the prevalence rates of mental disorders at one month, 12 months and lifetime.

(Prevalence rates is the proportion of people in a population who have a particular disease over a specified period of time).

The following mental disorders were investigated:
(i) Depressive disorders: Major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder.
(ii) Anxiety disorders: Panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), agoraphobia without a history of panic disorder; specific phobias, social phobia; obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder.
(iii) Somatoform disorders and syndromes: Somatization Disorder, “abridged somatization disorder” hypochondriasis and pain disorder.
(iv) Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa (including atypical anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa).

The study found:
(a) Regarding depressive disorders:
(a:i) Vegetarians had 44% higher one month prevalence risk of depressive disorders than meat eaters.
(a:ii) Vegetarians had 75% higher 12 month prevalence risk of depressive disorders than meat eaters.
(a:iii) Vegetarians had 48% higher lifetime prevalence risk of depressive disorders than meat eaters.
(b) Regarding anxiety disorders:
(b:i) Vegetarians had 76% higher one month prevalence risk of anxiety disorders than meat eaters.
(b:ii) Vegetarians had 87% higher 12 month prevalence risk of anxiety disorders than meat eaters.
(b:iii) Vegetarians had 77% higher lifetime prevalence risk of anxiety disorders than meat eaters.
(c) Regarding somatoform disorders:
(c:i) Vegetarians had 72% higher one month prevalence risk of somatoform disorders than meat eaters.
(c:ii) Vegetarians had 104% higher 12 month prevalence risk of somatoform disorders than meat eaters.
(c:iii) Vegetarians had 93% higher lifetime prevalence risk of somatoform disorders than meat eaters.
(d) Regarding eating disorders:

For eating disorders prevalence risk could not be calculated accurately. However, descriptively the study found elevated one month, 12 month and lifetime prevalence rates in the vegetarian group.

 

The study also compared the kinds of food eaten by the participants with and without mental disorders.

 

The study found for meat consumption:

(e) Regarding depressive disorders:

(e:i) Those with a one month prevalence of depressive disorders consumed 5.4% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of depressive disorders.

(e:ii) Those with a 12 month prevalence of depressive disorders consumed 6.2% less meat than those without a 12 month prevalence of depressive disorders.

(e:iii) Those with a lifetime prevalence of depressive disorders consumed 7.6% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of depressive disorders.

(f) Regarding anxiety disorders:

(f:i) Those with a one month prevalence of anxiety disorders consumed 4.8% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of anxiety disorders.

(f:ii) Those with a 12 month prevalence of anxiety disorders consumed 5.6% less meat than those without a 12 month prevalence of anxiety disorders.

(f:iii) Those with a lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders consumed 5.1% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of anxiety disorders.

(g) Regarding somatoform disorders:

(g:i) Those with a one month prevalence of somatoform disorders consumed 7.4% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of somatoform disorders.

(g:ii) Those with a 12 month prevalence of somatoform disorders consumed 5.6% less meat than those without a 12 month prevalence of somatoform  disorders.

(g:iii) Those with a lifetime prevalence of somatoform disorders consumed 6.2% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of somatoform disorders.

(h) Regarding eating disorders:

(h:i) Those with a one month prevalence of eating disorders consumed 181.3% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of eating disorders.

(h:ii) Those with a 12 month prevalence of eating disorders consumed 70.7% less meat than those without a 12 month prevalence of eating disorders.

(h:iii) Those with a lifetime prevalence of eating disorders consumed 0.3% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of eating disorders.

 

The results of the study strongly demonstrate that diets containing meat are associated with better mental health.

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Review of my book "Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease" by Wendy Schwartz

Here's a review of my book Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease by Wendy Schwartz.

The article can be accessed at: http://gopaleo.com/blog/2012/11/16/3-reasons-why-saturated-fats-are-not-bad-and-the-earth-is-no.html

Wendy's article

3 Reasons Why Saturated Fats Are Not Bad and The Earth is Not Flat

If I tried to tell you today that the earth is flat you would laugh at me because you know that we have sent men into space and the earth’s shape has been photographed.  It is most definitely round - near as I can tell. Despite this, the theory/myth that the earth is flat was commonly held for centuries. It sure looks flat when you look out at the horizon.

So it is with fat. The notion that saturated fats and cholesterol are bad for you has pervaded modern thinking despite clear-cut information to the contrary. It seems logical that fat would clog arteries and make you fat, doesn't it? I can understand how this rumor got started, but what is the truth? 

In his well-researched book, Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease, David Evans, a researcher who also blogs at Healthy Diets and Science provides evidence from 101 scientific papers representing a huge body of research indicating that in fact, far from causing heart disease in humans, eating a diet rich in saturated fats may actually prevent heart disease.  You heard me right. 

It turns out that there is a strong likelihood that animal fats may actually be good for you. Having spent the past month eating more animal fat than I have in my life, I would tend to agree, based on my health improvements. I just feel better.  My blood sugar is consistently within the normal range now and my weight is down by a few pounds.  In addition, my appetite is more well-controlled and I am sleeping better. 

While some studies cited in Evans’ book are epidemiological in nature, meaning that they look at trends across population groups rather than double-blind scientific experiments, there is plenty of data that points to a reduction in heart disease risk as intake of healthy animal fats goes up.

Here are just a few studies cited that stand out to me:

A 6-year study of nearly 22,000 men who were initially free of heart disease, but were smokers between the ages of 50-69, (a high risk group) was conducted by researchers in Finland. Those who consumed the highest level of saturated fats had a 27% decrease in coronary death and a 13% decrease in coronary events when compared with the group that ate the least amount of saturated fats and the highest amount of man-made polyunsaturates (margarines and oils).¹ 

A study of healthy young men (only 10 participants), but well-controlled, measured post-meal blood triglycerides as a risk factor.  The research showed that butter, which is higher in saturated fats, induced the lowest rise in post-meal triglycerides when compared with olive oil or sunflower oil.²A large epidemiological study of 1 million men in different parts of India revealed that those in regions where fat consumption (mainly animal fats) was 19 times higher, had a decreased incidence of heart disease - 7% less.³ 

While dietary studies are notoriously challenging, there have been many studies linking increases in carbohydrate consumption and insulin levels to heart disease. Conversely, studies of those with high fat consumption have only yielded rises in HDL (the good cholesterol).  The bottom line is, there is no proof that saturated fats lead to heart disease and there is some evidence that the higher the diet is in fat, the more heart disease rates decline.

In David Evans’ book, he highlights the study that fostered the myth of the lipid hypothesis which was conducted by Ancel Keys (also known as the Seven Countries Study) and provides evidence that points out it could have just as easily proven that saturated fats provide protection against heart disease. 

The seven countries Keys based his research on were the ones that provided data that conveniently fit with his hypothesis.  Had Keys selected seven other countries out of the 20+ countries he initially surveyed, he could have drawn the complete opposite conclusion. Also, the seven countries study had very few scientific controls in place and the methodology for collecting information was not stringent enough to qualify for sound scientific research today.  (More to come about this topic in my new eBook,  Go Paleo! A Shopping Survival Guide.)

David Evans’ book is filled with additional tidbits of research that, when taken together, paint a clear picture that shows animal fats and other saturated fats are not the culprit in heart disease after all. He is not alone in this belief and it would be great if research could be done with Paleo / Primal eaters in the future. Saturated fats from grass fed and pasture raised animals have quite a different fatty acid profile.

Footnotes and additional related reading

1. 1997 Journal of Epidemiology 145(10):876-887
2. 2002 Journal of Nutrition Dec: 132 (12) : 3642-9
3. 1967 British Heart Journal 29, 895 

http://gopaleo.com/blog/2012/1/8/5-ways-to-add-coconut-oil-to-your-paleo-plan.html
http://gopaleo.com/blog/2012/4/9/going-paleo-leads-to-better-bloodwork.html
----------------------------------------------------
About the Author: Wendy J. Schwartz is a graduate of New York University and holds a BS and an MS Degree in Food and Nutrition. During her early career, she worked at both Mt. Sinai Hospital and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Wendy is currently a member of the Nutritional Therapy Association. She is the author of the upcomingPaleo Shopping Survival Guide and is currently creating a large, free online US resource for Paleo consumers. Her blog, Go Paleo!, can be visited at http://www.gopaleo.com.

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in cerebral hemorrhage rates

This study was published in Preventive Medicine 1980 Nov;9(6):722-40

Study title and authors:
Multivariate analysis of risk factors for stroke. Eight-year follow-up study of farming villages in Akita, Japan.

Ueshima H, Iida M, Shimamoto T, Konishi M, Tsujioka K, Tanigaki M, Nakanishi N, Ozawa H, Kojima S, Komachi Y.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7454697?dopt=Abstract

This Japanes study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with the risk of stroke. The study included 1,814 adults, aged 40 to 69, who were followed for eight years.

The researchers found the following:
(a) Those with low cholesterol levels were more prone to cerebral hemorrhage.
(b) The results of the study correspond well with the observed fact that stroke incidence or death rate in Japan is higher in populations with low cholesterol levels, and also with the fact that death rate from hemorrhage declines with increasing cholesterol levels.

The study reveals that low cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in cerebral hemorrhage rates.

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Low levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of gallstone disese

This study was published in the Journal of Hepatology 2012 Aug 21

 

Study title and authors:

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and risk of gallstone disease: A Mendelian randomization study and meta-analyses.

Stender S, Frikke-Schmidt R, Benn M, Nordestgaard BG, Tybjærg-Hansen A.

Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; Copenhagen University Hospitals, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22922093

This study investigated the association of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels with gallstone disease. The study included 63,051 individuals. The individuals were divided into five groups based on their LDL cholesterol levels. The highest group had 134% higher LDL cholesterol levels than the lowest group.

The study found that those with the lowest LDL cholesterol levels had a 6% increased risk of gallstone disease compared to those with the highest LDL cholesterol levels.

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Statin use is associated with increased amounts of coronary artery plaque

This study was published in Atherosclerosis 2012 Nov;225(1):148-53

Study title and authors:
Statins use and coronary artery plaque composition: Results from the International Multicenter CONFIRM Registry.

Nakazato R, Gransar H, Berman DS, Cheng VY, Lin FY, Achenbach S, Al-Mallah M, Budoff MJ, Cademartiri F, Callister TQ, Chang HJ, Cury RC, Chinnaiyan K, Chow BJ, Delago A, Hadamitzky M, Hausleiter J, Kaufmann P, Maffei E, Raff G, Shaw LJ, Villines TC, Dunning A, Feuchtner G, Kim YJ, Leipsic J, Min JK.
Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and Department of Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Electronic address: Ryo.Nakazato@cshs.org.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22981406

The study investigated the relationship between statin use and the presence of coronary artery plaque. The study included 6,673 individuals, average age 59 years, who had their coronary artery plaque assessed.

The plaque was graded as:
(i) Non-calcified
(ii) Mixed
(iii) Calcified

The study found:
(a) Compared to the individuals not taking statins, those taking statins had an 11% increased presence of non-calcified plaque.
(b) Compared to the individuals not taking statins, those taking statins had an 46% increased presence of mixed plaque.
(c) Compared to the individuals not taking statins, those taking statins had an 54% increased presence of calcified plaque.

The results of the study show that statin use is associated with increased amounts of coronary artery plaque.

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Consumption of cola and fruit drinks is associated with an increased risk of type two diabetes

This study was published in Diabetes Care 2008 Jul;31(7):1311-7

Study title and authors:
Intake of fruit, vegetables, and fruit juices and risk of diabetes in women.

Bazzano LA, Li TY, Joshipura KJ, Hu FB.
Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. lbazzano@tulane.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18390796

The study investigated the association between food and drink intake and the development of type two diabetes. The study included 71,346 female nurses aged 38-63 years who were followed for 18 years.

Regarding drink consumption, the study found:
(a) Every one serving per day increase of fruit juice resulted in a 18% increase in the risk of type two diabetes.
(b) Every one serving per day increase of low-calorie cola resulted in a 11% increase in the risk of type two diabetes.
(c) Every one serving per day increase of sugar-sweetened cola resulted in a 8% increase in the risk of type two diabetes.

This 18 year study reveals that consumption of cola and fruit drinks is associated with an increased risk of type two diabetes.

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Higher cholesterol levels predict survival in heart transplant patients

This study was published in Cardiology 1998 Mar;89(3):184-8

 

Study title and authors:

Low serum cholesterol levels predict high perioperative mortality in patients supported by a left-ventricular assist system.

Richartz BM, Radovancevic B, Frazier OH, Vaughn WK, Taegtmeyer H.

St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Texas Heart Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, 77030, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9570432

The study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with survival rates in 45 heart transplant patients.

The study found that cholesterol levels were 62.5% higher in heart transplant patients that survived compared to those that died.

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Statins increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain

This study was published in the American Journal of Medicine 2012 Feb;125(2):176-82

Study title and authors:
Statin use and musculoskeletal pain among adults with and without arthritis.

Buettner C, Rippberger MJ, Smith JK, Leveille SG, Davis RB, Mittleman MA.
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. cbuettne@bidmc.harvard.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22269621

This study investigated the relationship between statin use and musculoskeletal pain. (The musculoskeletal system is made up of the body's bones (the skeleton), muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue that supports and binds tissues and organs together). The study included 8,228 adults aged 40 years or more.

The study found those taking statins had a 15% increased risk of musculoskeletal pain compared to non-users.

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Low HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of gastric cancer.

This study was published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2012 Oct;27(10):1635-40

 

Study title and authors:

Evaluation of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as a prognostic factor in gastric cancer patients.

Tamura T, Inagawa S, Hisakura K, Enomoto T, Ohkohchi N.

Department of Surgery, Doctoral Program in Clinical Science, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22647147

The study investigated the relationship between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and the risk of gastric cancer. The study included 184 patients who had undergone gastrectomy (gastrectomy is a partial or full surgical removal of the stomach).

The patients were divided into two groups:
(i) Normal levels of HDL cholesterol group.
(ii) Low levels of HDL cholesterol group.

The study found:
(a) In the low HDL cholesterol group the cancer had significantly increased in the lymphatic and vascular systems.
(b) The prognosis of the patients in the normal HDL cholesterol group was significantly better than those in the low HDL cholesterol group.

The results of the study show a correlation between low HDL cholesterol levels and an increased risk of gastric cancer.

A diet high in saturated fat raises HDL cholesterol levels. See here here and here.

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Vitamin D levels low in patients with schizophrenia

This study was published in the Israel Medical Association Journal 2012 Feb;14(2):88-92

Study title and authors:
Low serum vitamin D concentrations in patients with schizophrenia.

Itzhaky D, Amital D, Gorden K, Bogomolni A, Arnson Y, Amital H.
Biochemistry and Immunology Laboratories, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22693787

The aim of the study was to assess vitamin D blood levels in patients with major depression and schizophrenia as compared to healthy controls. The study included 50 patients with schizophrenia who were compared with 33 patients with major depression and 50 healthy controls.

The study found:
(a) Vitamin D blood levels were 26% lower in patients with schizophrenia as compared to healthy controls.
(b) Vitamin D blood levels were 3% lower in patients with depression as compared to healthy
controls.

The results of the study reveal vitamin D levels are low in patients with schizophrenia.

The richest dietary sources of vitamin D include: Lard, butter, eggs, liver, organ meats and seafood see here.

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Diet and regular sodas associated with an increase in cancer

This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2012 Oct 24

 

Study title and authors:

Consumption of artificial sweetener- and sugar-containing soda and risk of lymphoma and leukemia in men and women.

Schernhammer ES, Bertrand KA, Birmann BM, Sampson L, Willett WW, Feskanich D.

Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA and Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23097267

The study evaluated whether the consumption of aspartame- and sugar-containing soda is associated with the risk of various cancers. The study included around 77,218 women, 47,810 men and lasted for 22 years.

The study found:
(a) Men having one or more daily servings of diet soda had a 31% increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphomas compared to men without diet soda consumption.
(b) Men having one or more daily servings of diet soda had a 102% increased risk of multiple myelomas compared to men without diet soda consumption.
(c) Men with a higher consumption of regular, sugar-sweetened soda had a 66% increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
(d) Men and women consuming one or more daily servings of diet soda had a 42% increased risk of leukemia.

The data from the 22 year long study shows that diet soda and regular sugar-sweetened soda is associated with an increase in risk in some cancers. 

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with an inreased risk of death in critically ill surgical patients.

This study was published in Critical Care Medicine 2001 Aug;29(8):1563-8

Study title and authors:
Relationship of hypolipidemia to cytokine concentrations and outcomes in critically ill surgical patients.

Gordon BR, Parker TS, Levine DM, Saal SD, Wang JC, Sloan BJ, Barie PS, Rubin AL.
Rogosin Institute, 505 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. gordobr@mail.rockefeller.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11505128

 

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship of cholesterol levels with clinical outcomes in critically ill surgical patients. (Clinical outcomes included death, infection subsequent to intensive care unit admission, length of intensive care unit stay, and magnitude of organ dysfunction). The study included 111 patients with a variety of critical illnesses, for whom cholesterol levels were determined within 24 hours of admission to a surgical intensive care unit.

 

Average cholesterol levels of the patients were extremely low:

(i) Total cholesterol, 127 mg/dL (3.2 mmol/L)

(ii) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, 75 mg/dL (1.9 mmol/L)

(iii) High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 29 mg/dL (.75 mmol/L)

 

Clinical outcomes were related to whether the admission cholesterol levels were above (56 patients) or below (55 patients) 120 mg/dL (3.1 mmol/L).

 

The study found:

(a) Each of the clinical outcomes occurred between 1.9- and 3.5-fold more frequently in the very low cholesterol (less than 120 mg/dL or 3.1 mmol/L) group.

(b) Nine patients died during the hospitalization. Seven of the nine patients who died were in the very low cholesterol (less than 120 mg/dL or 3.1 mmol/L) group.

 

The results of the study show that low cholesterol levels are associated with an inreased risk of death in critically ill surgical patients.

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Men who consume higher quantities of foods of animal origin have lower rates of heart disease

This study was published in the British Medical Journal 1977 Nov 19;2(6098):1307-14

Study title and authors:
Diet and heart: a postscript.

Morris JN, Marr JW, Clayton DG.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/589165

This study examined the relationship of diet with heart disease. The study included 337 healthy middle-aged men who were followed for up to 20 years.

Regarding the consumption of animal based foods, the study found:
(a) Men who consumed the most animal fat had a 23% decreased risk of heart disease compared to the men who consumed the least animal fat.
(b) Men who consumed the most animal protein had a 15% decreased risk of heart disease compared to the men who consumed the least animal protein.

The data from the study reveals that men who consume higher quantities of foods of animal origin have lower rates of heart disease.

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Are artificial sweeteners fueling-rather than fighting-the escalating obesity epidemic?

This study was published in Obesity (Silver Spring) 2008 Aug;16(8):1894-900

Study title and authors:
Fueling the obesity epidemic? Artificially sweetened beverage use and long-term weight gain.

Fowler SP, Williams K, Resendez RG, Hunt KJ, Hazuda HP, Stern MP.
Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA. fowlers@uthscsa.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18535548

This study examined the relationship between artificially sweetened beverage consumption and long-term weight gain. The study included 3,682 adult participants whose Body Mass Index (BMI) was measured at the start of the study and after eight years.

The study found:
(a) Men who had artificially sweetened beverages had a 40% inrease in BMI compared to men who were nonusers.
(b) Women who had artificially sweetened beverages had a 51% inrease in BMI compared to women who were nonusers.
(c) Those who consumed diet soft drinks had a 42% increase in BMI compared to those who did not consume diet soft drinks.
(d) Those who consumed artificially sweetened tea had a 40% increase in BMI compared to those who did not consume artificially sweetened tea.
(e) Those who consumed artificially sweetened coffee had a 32% increase in BMI compared to those who did not consume artificially sweetened coffee.

The findings of the study raise the question whether artificially sweetener use might be fueling-rather than fighting-the escalating obesity epidemic.

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Low LDL cholesterol levels are associated with an earlier death

This study was published in the World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics 2009;100:63-70

 

Study title and authors:

Blood cholesterol as a good marker of health in Japan.

Ogushi Y, Hamazaki T, Kirihara Y.

Department of Medical Informatics, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19696528

This paper examined the relationship between low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and death rates. The study lasted for eight years and included 26,000 men and women.

The study found:
(a) The death rate of men whose LDL cholesterol levels were below 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/l) were higher than in men whose LDL cholesterol levels were between 100 mg/dL and 160 mg/dL (2.6-4.1 mmol/l).
(b) The death rate of women whose LDL cholesterol levels were below 120 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/l) were higher than in women whose LDL cholesterol levels were above 120 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/l).

The results from this study show that lower LDL cholesterol levels are associated with an earlier death.

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Aspartame increases hunger

This study was published in Physiology and Behavior 1990 Mar;47(3):555-9

 

Study title and authors:

Oral stimulation with aspartame increases hunger.

Tordoff MG, Alleva AM.

Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2359769

This study whether aspartame increases hunger. The study included groups of 10 male and 10 female subjects who chewed a gum containing one of four concentrations of aspartame (0.05%, 0.3%, 0.5%, or 1.0%) or unsweetened gum for 15 minutes, or were given nothing.

The study found:
(a) Relative to groups given nothing or unsweetened gum to chew, groups given the aspartame sweetened gum had increased hunger.
(b) The highest aspartame concentrations had a time-dependent, two-phase effect on appetite, producing a transient decrease followed by a sustained increase in hunger.

The results of the study show that aspartame increases hunger. 

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Alzheimer’s patients have significantly reduced levels of cholesterol and fats in the brain

This study was published in Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders 1998 Sep;12(3):198-203

Study title and authors:
Reduced levels of cholesterol, phospholipids, and fatty acids in cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer disease patients are not related to apolipoprotein E4.

Mulder M, Ravid R, Swaab DF, de Kloet ER, Haasdijk ED, Julk J, van der Boom JJ, Havekes LM.
Gaubius Laboratory, TNO-PG, Leiden, The Netherlands.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9772023

The study compared levels of cholesterol and fats in cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid is found in the brain and spinal canal) in Alzheimers patients and subjects without Alzheimers. The study assessed the brain tissue at postmortem in 30 Alzheimers cases and 31 age-matched control patients.

The study found:
(a) Cholesterol levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients without alzheimer's was 55% higher than in patients with Alzheimer's.
(b) Fatty acid levels (fat molecules) in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients without alzheimer's was 522% higher than in patients with Alzheimer's.
(c) Phospholipid levels (phospholipids contain two molecules of fat and are a major component of cell membranes) in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients without alzheimer's was 1650% higher than in patients with Alzheimer's.

The results of the study show that Alzheimer’s patients have significantly reduced levels of cholesterol and fats in the cerebrospinal fluid.

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Amazon Review of my book "Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease - Evidence from 101 Scientific Papers"

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand, packed full of amazing information!, November 3, 2012

By 

Lisa Nicole Lawrence "Lisa Lawrence" (Antigonish, nova scotia Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease - Evidence from 101 Scientific Papers (Paperback)

When I first saw this book I assumed I would not be able to understand "scientific papers" as I have no scientific knowledge (aside from gr. 12 biology, 25 yrs ago), but the studies were explained so well and strung together so well, they were easy and enjoyable to read.

I was blown away by the evidence contrary to the typical eat-low-fat-for-your-heart medical advice, I especially enjoyed Chapter 5, "Comments by Eminent Professors and Doctors" (leading experts on the subject of cardiovascular disease), the glossary, and Appendix 3 which provided quick summaries of one or two lines of each of the studies.

After my father who was slender and had low cholesterol, died of a heart attack, my vegetarian/whole foods mom got a brain aneurysm and my young, fit husband developed a heart condition, I began a research quest and started to question all I knew for certain about diet and health. This led to my adoption of a low carbohydrate, real food lifestyle which has greatly improved my health. Reading this book provided me with the evidence behind my intuitive and physical experience of ridding myself of the fear of eating natural fat. I will be passing it out to each of my friends who asks me why I am not afraid of clogging my arteries. It was reassuring and it is a great accessible resource. (I will be buying a few more copies to give to my doctors as well).

Lisa

Amazon review accessed here http://www.amazon.com/Cholesterol-Saturated-Prevent-Disease-ebook/product-reviews/B008O53WDK/ref=cm_cr_pr_hist_5?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addFiveStar&showViewpoints=0

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Eating liver is associated with a reduction in stomach cancer

This study was published in the International Journal of Cancer 2002 Jun 10;99(5):727-31

 

Study title and authors:

A case-control study of stomach cancer in Mumbai, India.

Rao DN, Ganesh B, Dinshaw KA, Mohandas KM.

Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India. dnrao@hotmail.com

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12115507

The  purpose of the study was to identify the association of various factors with stomach cancer. The study participants were aged between 30-75 and included 170 stomach cancer cases and 2,184 controls.

The study found:
(a) Beef consumption was associated with a small reduction in stomach cancer risk.
(b) Those who consumed liver at least once per week had a 30% reduced risk of stomach cancer compared to those who never had liver or only once every two weeks.

The data from the study shows that liver consumption is associated with a reduction in stomach cancer.

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Statin use is associated with a rise of fasting blood glucose levels in patients with and without diabetes

This study was published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine 2009 Mar;57(3):495-9

 

Study title and authors:

Effect of statins on fasting plasma glucose in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

Sukhija R, Prayaga S, Marashdeh M, Bursac Z, Kakar P, Bansal D, Sachdeva R, Kesan SH, Mehta JL.

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19188844

When blood sugar levels remain high for several hours, dehydration and more serious complications can develop. Even slightly raised blood sugar levels (a fasting blood sugar over 109 mg/dL or 6.05 mmol/L) when unrecognized - can damage multiple tissues in the brain, kidneys, and arteries.

This study investigated the effects of statins on fasting blood sugar levels. The study included diabetics and non-diabetics, statin users and non-users, and analysed the change in fasting blood sugar levels in 345,417 patients, average age 61, over a two year period.

The study found:
(a) Fasting blood sugar levels increased by an extra 29% in non-diabetic statin users compared to non-diabetic non-users.
(b) Fasting blood sugar levels increased by an extra 18% in diabetic statin users compared to diabetic non-users.

The study reveals that statin use is associated with a rise of fasting blood glucose levels in patients with and without diabetes.

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Higher saturated fat and cholesterol consumption is associated with a lower risk of dementia

This study was published in Neurology 2002 Dec 24;59(12):1915-21

 

Study title and authors:

Diet and risk of dementia: Does fat matter?: The Rotterdam Study.

Engelhart MJ, Geerlings MI, Ruitenberg A, Van Swieten JC, Hofman A, Witteman JC, Breteler MM.

Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12499483

The objective of the study was to examine whether intake of fats are associated with the risk of dementia. The dietary habits of 5,395 subjects with normal cognition were assessed over a six year period.

The study found:
(a) Higher fat consumption was associated with a 7% reduction in dementia.
(b) Higher saturated fat consumption was associated with a 9% reduction in dementia.
(c) Higher cholesterol consumption was associated with a 7% reduction in dementia.
(d) Higher polyunsaturated fat consumption was associated with a 5% increase in dementia.

The data from the study reveals that higher saturated fat and cholesterol consumption is associated with a lower risk of dementia.

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Statins increase the risk of adverse medical events by 39%

This study was published in Clinical Therapeutics 2006 Jan;28(1):26-35

Study title and authors:
Statin-related adverse events: a meta-analysis.

Silva MA, Swanson AC, Gandhi PJ, Tataronis GR.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Worcester, Massachusetts 01608, USA. msilva@wor.mcphs.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16490577

This study is a meta-analysis of statin randomized clinical trials that compare the number of adverse effects caused by statin treatment or placebo. The search through medical databases found 18 trials including 71,108 persons, and 301,374 person-years of follow-up. There were 36,062 persons receiving a statin and 35,046 receiving a placebo. (An adverse event is any untoward medical occurrence in a patient administered a pharmaceutical product).

The study found that statin therapy increased the risk of adverse events by 39%.

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Artificial sweetener users are significantly more likely than nonusers to gain weight

This study was published in Preventive Medicine 1986 Mar;15(2):195-202

 

Study title and authors:

Artificial sweetener use and one-year weight change among women.

Stellman SD, Garfinkel L.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3714671

This study investigated the effects of artificial sweeteners on weight change. The study included 78,694 women, aged 50-69, who were followed for one year.

The study found that artificial sweetener users were significantly more likely than nonusers to gain weight, regardless of their initial weight.

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