AboutTodd Bublitz, RCEP Expertise I can answer questions on Cholesterol & Lipids. I can explain how diet can and cannot improve your cholesterol & triglyceride levels.
Experience I have 17 years experience in cardiovascular disease prevention, rehabilitation and education. Researcher in cardiovascular exercise, cardiac function and cardiac testing. I developed and maintain Lipid-Clinic.com
Also run Nuclear Cardiology Research Organizations National Lipid Association
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
What is the "difference" between saturated fat vs. cholesterol? More importantly, if I have a choice between eating food high in one vs. the other, which should I choose? Which should an adult distance runner choose? What about the effects of each on children, particularly thin active athletic ones?
Thanks,
Jeff
Answer Jeff,
Saturated fat comes mainly from animal sources (meat, butter, lard, dairy, etc.) and also from palm oil and coconut oil. Saturated fat is solid at room temperature (unsaturated fats, from plants, are liquid at room temperature).
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like, sterol that is produced mainly in the liver and has several very important functions. Cholesterol helps form cell membranes, aids in fat digestion and forms steroid hormones. Cholesterol in the foods we eat (dietary cholesterol) is only found in animal products - plants do not produce or contain cholesterol.
Our cholesterol levels are mainly determined by our genetics (about 85-95%) and to a lesser degree by our diets (about 5-15%). Saturated fat in our diet stimulates our liver to produce more cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol has much less effect on our blood cholesterol levels than saturated fat.
"if I have a choice between eating food high in one vs. the other, which should I choose?" - Avoiding saturated fat will help decrease your total cholesterol and LDL bad cholesterol) more than avoiding dietary cholesterol.
"Which should an adult distance runner choose?" - Same answer as above. Distance running makes no difference.
"What about the effects of each on children, particularly thin active athletic ones?" - Same answer as above.
Exercise and age makes no difference. Saturated fat and cholesterol act the same way on our bodies.
