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WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2009 Health-conscious individuals know that high levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the so-called "bad" cholesterol) can increase the threat of cardiac arrest. Now researchers are reporting that another type of cholesterol called oxycholesterol virtually unidentified to the public might be the most serious cardiovascular health danger of all.
The researchers hope their findings raise public awareness about oxycholesterol, including foods with the highest levels of the substance and other foods that can combat oxycholesterol's impacts. "Overall cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and the heart-healthy high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) are still crucial health concerns," states study leader Zhen-Yu Chen, Ph.
" However the public need to acknowledge that oxycholesterol is also crucial and can not be disregarded. Our work demonstrated that oxycholesterol boosts amount to cholesterol levels and promotes atherosclerosis [" hardening of the arteries"] more than non-oxidized cholesterol." 202-249-4014 (Fulfilling, Aug. 15-19) 202-872-6042 (Before Aug. 15) 202-249-4014 (Satisfying, Aug. 15-19) 202-872-6293 (Prior To Aug. 15) Fried and processed food, particularly fast-food, consists of high amounts of oxycholesterol.
Researchers have actually understood for many years that a response in between fats and oxygen, a procedure described oxidation, produces oxycholesterol in the body. Oxidation happens, for example, when fat-containing foods are warmed, as in frying chicken or grilling burgers or steaks. Food manufacturers produce oxycholesterol deliberately in the kind of oxidized oils such as trans-fatty acids and partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Till now, nevertheless, much of the research study focused on oxycholesterol's effects in destructive cells, DNA, and its biochemical results in adding to atherosclerosis. Chen believes this is one of the very first research studies on oxycholesterol's impacts in raising blood cholesterol levels compared to non-oxidized cholesterol. In the brand-new study, Chen's group determined the results of a diet high in oxycholesterol on hamsters, typically utilized as surrogates for humans in such research study.
The oxycholesterol group revealed greater deposition of cholesterol in the lining of their arteries and a propensity to develop bigger deposits of cholesterol. These fatty deposits, called atherosclerotic plaques, increase the danger for heart attack and stroke. Most significantly, according to Chen, oxycholesterol had unwanted impacts on "artery function." Oxycholesterol reduced the elasticity of arteries, hindering their capability to broaden and bring more blood.