Saturated fatty acids in vegetable oils
Article Abstract:
Elevated blood cholesterol is an established risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Much research has investigated the effect of dietary fats on blood cholesterol, and the consensus is that saturated fats tend to raise blood cholesterol while polyunsaturated fats tend to lower it. The most recent findings suggest that monounsaturated oils (such as olive and peanut oil) may have the same effects as polyunsaturated oils. While animal fats are typically saturated and most vegetable fats are unsaturated, concern is growing about several vegetable oils that are highly saturated. These vegetable oils, often called the tropical oils, are coconut, palm, and palm kernel oil. The Council on Scientific Affairs reports that the American Medical Association (AMA) has resolved to investigate the impact of food products containing tropical oils on risk for CHD. The AMA will encourage food manufacturers to substitute unsaturated oils for palm and coconut oil in all products except infant formulas. The AMA also supports legislation that would force manufacturers to state on food labels the specific oils used instead of a general term such as "vegetable oil". Another frequently misleading practice is labeling foods "cholesterol free". Products can be free of cholesterol, which is only found in animal fats, yet they can contain the potentially harmful saturated vegetable oils, palm, palm kernel, and coconut oil. The AMA supports requiring that when cholesterol content is declared, fatty acid content is also clearly stated, and vice versa. Currently consumers must read through product ingredient lists to be certain of the fats used and should not assume that a product labeled cholesterol-free is also free of tropical oils. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Consumption of olive oil, butter, and vegetable oils and coronary heart disease risk factors
Article Abstract:
Some recent studies have suggested that consuming monounsaturated fats such as olive oil may reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD). While the effects on blood lipids (such as cholesterol) have been examined most extensively, there is also some indication that monounsaturated oils may improve glucose (sugar) metabolism and blood pressure. But the evidence relating monounsaturated fats to CHD risk factors in humans is only preliminary; more research is needed. A large study of 4,903 Italian men and women aged 20 to 59 was conducted to relate use of dietary fats to blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and glucose levels. Elevated fasting blood glucose may be an early sign of glucose intolerance or diabetes, and diabetes is a risk factor for CHD. In men, greater intake of butter, a predominantly saturated fat, was linked to higher blood pressure, higher glucose level, and higher blood cholesterol. In women, only blood glucose was higher with more butter consumption. Consumption of olive oil, a primarily monounsaturated fat, was linked to lower levels of glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure in both sexes. Consumption of fats that were primarily polyunsaturated (vegetable oil) was associated with lower cholesterol and glucose, but beneficial effects on blood pressure were not clearly demonstrated. The results suggest that butter may have an adverse effect on CHD risk while polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats may lower CHD risk. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Uric acid metabolism and tubular sodium handling: results from a population-based study
Article Abstract:
An association may exist between increased reabsorption of sodium by the kidneys and elevated blood levels of uric acid. Uric acid is a metabolic product normally excreted in the urine. A study examined the reabsorption of lithium by the kidneys and blood levels of uric acid among 568 men between 21 and 68 years old. Lithium excretion can be used as a model of sodium excretion. Reabsorption of sodium by the kidneys was greater in the men who had elevated levels of uric acid in their blood. This association was not affected by factors such as age, body mass, blood pressure, smoking or wine consumption. Elevated blood levels of uric acid are found in patients with diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and glucose intolerance.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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