The effect of a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet on serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride

A major public health objective in many developed countries is reduction of serum cholesterol concentrations, associated with coronary heart disease. A new study investigates the effects of low- and high-saturated fat diets on blood lipids, fatty acids and lipoproteins and determines whether a high-carbohydrate diet has any adverse effects on serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides in individuals. It is shown that individuals who adopt a fibre rich high-carbohydrate can lose weight and reduce both total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, with little effect on high density lipoprotein cholesterol or tryglyceride.