The Consistency Project Animal-Based Takes Another Blow (The LDL Edition)
Dec 10, 2025
Explore the latest findings on how polyunsaturated and saturated fats impact cholesterol levels. Discover why LDL cholesterol matters in heart disease and the role of oxidation in atherosclerosis. Delve into the debate over saturated fat and review modern evidence showing that lower LDL reduces heart disease risk. Get practical tips on maintaining a balanced intake of saturated fats and effective dietary tools, like the 800g Challenge, to help lower cholesterol and improve health.
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Seed Oils Lower LDL Compared To Animal Fats
- A meta-analysis of 24 randomized trials found higher polyunsaturated-to-saturated fat ratios lowered LDL cholesterol.
- EC Synkowski frames this as evidence that seed oils reduce LDL compared with animal fats when they replace saturated fat.
Why LDL Matters For Heart Disease
- LDL carries cholesterol to arteries and more LDL increases chance of plaque formation and heart attacks.
- Oxidation of fats on LDL particles triggers immune responses that form arterial plaque.
Oxidation Risk Depends On LDL Levels
- Polyunsaturated fats oxidize more easily, which critics use to argue seed oils are harmful.
- EC counters that oxidation risk depends on how many LDL particles carry those fats, which saturated fat increases.