Episode 50 - Demystifying Cholesterol and Saturated Fats: A Discussion with Dr. Susan J. Hewlings

Ever wondered if the cholesterol demonization and saturated fats scare is all just an exaggerated myth? Join us today as we chat with Dr. Susan J. Hewlings, who brings a fresh perspective on these misunderstood health topics. Dr. Hewlings, a respected researcher and compassionate animal rescue advocate, sheds light on her recent publication that challenges the long-held belief about cholesterol and saturated fats' harmful health impacts.

Timeline:

2:26 – The ARF Shack – an animal rescue business by Dr. Hewlings – started in 2009. Do not buy a dog from a breeder. Sue can find a dog for you; even sausage dogs!

5:50 - The relationship between saturated fat and CVD – is it as cut and dried as you’ve been taught? 

13:00 - Do we think there is rationale as to why some individuals have high serum cholesterol and yet live quite long?

19:57 – Nobody opens the refrigerator and says, “I want to eat saturated fat today.” 

21:09 – One can’t ignore a multi-billion industry (i.e., drugs to lower cholesterol).

21:20 – Phytosterols are the first line of defense in other countries (i.e., for high cholesterol).

29:00 - Vitamin D – it is so important – affects the immune system

29:44 – Too low Vitamin is not good; get some sun or take a supplement.  You won’t get enough from food.

35:40 – Statistics on disordered eating

36:16 – The data vs. anecdotal information (i.e., being around athletes) – it is subclinical disordered eating

Our guest: Susan J Hewlings, PhD, RD 

Co-Founder Substantiation Science

Vice President of Research Affairs Radicle Science

Dr. Susan Hewlings brings a lifetime commitment to health and fitness and over 20 years of research, teaching, and medical writing experience in nutrition, sports nutrition, and scientific consulting for the dietary supplement, food, beverage, and medical industries. She is considered an industry expert in claims substantiation, helping companies connect science to marketing and product development. She has a Ph.D. in Nutrition, an MS in Exercise Physiology, and a BS in Nutrition from Florida State University. She is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian. Dr. Hewlings completed a research fellowship in protein metabolism at the University of Texas Medical Branch.  In addition, Dr. Hewlings has over 20 years of experience in higher education, including former faculty positions at Stetson University, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, and Central Michigan University.  She recently earned a graduate certificate in Cannabis Science from the University of Vermont Medical School. She has written a textbook titled Nutrition: Real People, Real Choices and has published many book chapters and manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. She founded a non-profit animal rescue, The ARF Shack Inc., a 501c3.

About the Show

We cover all things related to sports science, nutrition, and performance. The Sports Science Dudes represent the opinions of the hosts and guests and are not the official opinions of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), the Society for Sports Neuroscience, or Nova Southeastern University. The advice provided on this show should not be construed as medical advice and is purely an educational forum.

Hosted by Jose Antonio PhD

Dr. Antonio is the co-founder and CEO of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and the co-founder of the Society for Sports Neuroscience, www.issn.net. Dr. Antonio has over 120 peer-reviewed publications and 16 books and is a Professor at Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida in the Department of Health and Human Performance.

Twitter: @JoseAntonioPhD

Instagram: the_issn and supphd

Co-host Anthony Ricci EdD

Dr Ricci is an expert on Fight Sports and is currently an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University in Davie Flo