Scientific Study

Two cholesterol-raising fatty acids in the diet; saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids; increase the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. This fact justifies the recommendation of a reduced intake of cholesterol-raising fatty acids. Emerging data suggest that diets higher in unsaturated fatty acids; particularly monounsaturated fatty acids; have several advantages over high-carbohydrate intakes. This advantage appears to hold; particularly for populations having a high prevalence of insulin resistance; such as the US population. If the US public were to modify its eating habits in the direction of better weight control and more exercise; higher intakes of carbohydrate might be better tolerated. At the same time; the experience with the Mediterranean population reveals that in healthier populations; diets relatively high in unsaturated fatty acids are well tolerated and are associated with a low prevalence of both coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.