Cholesterol News and Research

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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver, and found in the blood and in all cells of the body. Cholesterol is important for good health and is needed for making cell walls, tissues, hormones, vitamin D, and bile acid.

Scientists explore why black rice deserves a bigger place in modern diets

Researchers reviewed the nutritional composition, therapeutic benefits, and industrial uses of black rice, highlighting its potential as a functional food. The study highlights the role of black rice in managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation, while also advocating for more robust human trials and sustainable cultivation methods.

2 Nov 2025

Research shows citrus and grape compounds may protect against type 2 diabetes

A six-month clinical trial found that a supplement combining citrus and grape extracts, hesperidin, and chromium significantly reduced fasting blood glucose in prediabetic adults. Participants also saw improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels, returning many to normal metabolic health.

2 Nov 2025

Breakthrough study maps impact of thousands of variants in heart disease gene

An international research consortium co-led by scientists from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the University of Toronto and University of Pittsburgh has mapped the functional impact of more than 17,000 variants in a major gene associated with the development of premature atherosclerotic heart disease.

31 Oct 2025

Common viruses sharply raise heart attack and stroke risk, major global review shows

In the largest synthesis to date, researchers reviewed 155 studies linking viral infections, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles, to increased risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. The findings highlight viral infection prevention and vaccination as underappreciated strategies for cardiovascular protection.

30 Oct 2025

First-of-its-kind resource created to identify people with genetic risk for elevated 'bad' cholesterol

An international team led by a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientist has created a first-of-its-kind resource to identify those with a genetic risk for elevated 'bad' cholesterol -- a major contributor to heart disease.

30 Oct 2025

19 NCAA women's college basketball coaches join hands to support women’s heart health

Both on the court and off, cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women in the United States, taking the lives of more than 440,000 women each year, according to the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.

30 Oct 2025

How early diabetes management influences long-term outcomes

Could slightly elevated blood sugar levels lead to serious health problems in the future? A single patient's question sparked nearly a decade of research leading to the development of a landmark model that could shape how clinicians and researchers understand and manage diabetes across the US.

30 Oct 2025

Does fasting earlier in the day improve metabolism? This study says no

In a randomized crossover trial of 31 women with overweight, early and late time-restricted eating (TRE) produced no improvement in insulin sensitivity or cardiometabolic markers under isocaloric conditions. Both schedules, however, shifted internal circadian clocks, highlighting that meal timing affects biological rhythms more than metabolic outcomes.

30 Oct 2025

TRF1 protein depletion linked to leaner mice and altered metabolism

A new research paper was published in Volume 17, Issue 9 of Aging-US on September 17, 2025, titled "Depletion of the TRF1 telomere-binding protein leads to leaner mice with altered metabolic profiles."

27 Oct 2025

Are ultra-processed plant foods really worse than meat? Scientists weigh in

A new review challenges assumptions about ultra-processed foods, finding that plant-based versions, such as soymilk, meat analogs, and soft margarines, may lower cholesterol and disease risk compared with unprocessed animal foods when used as replacements.

26 Oct 2025

Common chemical tetrachloroethylene may be harmful to the liver

Liver disease is usually caused by one of three factors: alcohol consumption, fat buildup in the liver linked to obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol, or hepatitis B and C.

23 Oct 2025

E2F2 protein identified as potential therapeutic target to prevent metabolic fatty liver disease progression

An international collaborative study has identified the E2F2 protein as a potential new therapeutic target to prevent metabolic fatty liver disease from progressing towards more serious conditions, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

22 Oct 2025

People's heart health unlikely to be affected by some industrially processed hard fats

Two types of industrially processed hard fats, widely used in everyday foods such as bakery products, margarines and spreads, are unlikely to affect heart health when consumed in levels achievable in most people's diets.

17 Oct 2025

Preexisting hyperlipidemia in pregnancy linked to obstetric and early heart risks

Preexisting hyperlipidemia in pregnancy is associated with heightened risks of obstetric complications and early cardiovascular events in the first five-years postpartum, according to a new study being presented at ACC's Cardio-Obstetrics Essentials: Team-Based Management of Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy conference.

17 Oct 2025

Study: Hidden fat inside the abdomen and liver may damage arteries

A new study led by researchers at McMaster University reveals that hidden fat deep inside the abdomen and liver may quietly damage arteries, even in people who appear healthy.

17 Oct 2025

Ganoderma lucidum protects against liver damage from high-fat diets

A long-term high-fat diet (HFD) exerts lipotoxic effects on multiple organs, particularly the liver, leading to metabolic diseases.

16 Oct 2025

Fatty acids found to be a primary driver of triple-negative tumor growth

A team from Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (the U) has found that triple-negative breast cancer is fueled by lipids and that these fatty acids are a key feature of obesity that promote tumor growth.

16 Oct 2025

Low-fat vegan diet shown to reduce insulin use and costs in type 1 diabetes

A low-fat vegan diet that doesn't limit calories or carbohydrates could help people with type 1 diabetes reduce insulin use and insulin costs, according to new research by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine published in BMC Nutrition.

15 Oct 2025

In Mississippi, Medicaid coverage of weight loss drugs fails to catch on

April Hines has battled with her weight since she was a teenager. But in the past couple of years, she's fallen from 600 pounds to 385, and her blood pressure and blood sugar levels are down, too. "I'm not as fatigued as I used to be, and I've been able to go back to church," she said.

15 Oct 2025

Skipping breakfast raises metabolic syndrome risk

Research shows that skipping breakfast increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, emphasizing the need for a nutritious morning meal to support long-term health.

13 Oct 2025