New Research: Saturated Fats Impair HDL–Can Exercise Repair It?

September 11th, 2006

A couple research tidbits out recently suggest that diet and exercise can have very immediate impacts on the body’s cholesterol composition, and the ability of these lipids to act.

In the first research, authors report in the J. of the American College of Cardiology that eating foods high in saturated fats (butter fat, for example) can impair the ability of the “good” HDL cholesterol to act. That means, the HDL will be less effective in preventing the vascular damage caused by the “bad” cholesterol.

In a different but related small study, as reported in MSN online, authors report that exercise following ingestion of fatty foods can reverse the potential damage from the fats. They argue that this doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise–even a nice long walk will help.

Both of these studies rely on very small samples, and we need to see more research to see how it will pan out. However, they are both consistent with the philosophy and practice of the H3I weight loss spa. That is, both diet and exercise must be addressed in a consistent fashion to gain the greatest benefits of weight loss and health. It’s that pesky healthy lifestyle, again.

-Roger Sargent 

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized, Healthy Lifestyle Research, Diabetes and Chronic Disease, Weight Loss, Fitness and Health