Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) News and Research

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Eating kombu daily enhances gut health and heart markers in men

A 12-week randomized trial found that daily intake of boiled kombu (Laminaria japonica) powder reduced body fat and raised adiponectin in Japanese men, while improving blood pressure and gut microbiota in both sexes. No significant effects were seen in women for body fat reduction or adiponectin.

20 May 2025

Low testosterone linked to higher kidney stone risk in men, study finds

A large cross-sectional study in South Korea found that men with low testosterone levels (below 3.33 ng/mL) were significantly more likely to have kidney stones. This association held even after adjusting for age and metabolic risk factors, suggesting testosterone may play a protective role.

6 May 2025

Researchers tie childhood vitamin D shortfalls to adult heart disease

Low childhood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were linked to a significantly higher risk of early adult-onset atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The association remained even after accounting for conventional childhood risk factors and persisted across multiple analyses.

30 Apr 2025

Pecans lower cholesterol and improve diet quality in at-risk adults, study finds

Substituting 57 grams of pecans for usual snacks over 12 weeks improved lipid profiles and diet quality but did not affect vascular function in adults at cardiometabolic risk. A modest weight gain was also observed.

29 Apr 2025

Vitamin C from fresh foods helps lower heart disease risk in type 2 diabetes

Low vitamin C levels are linked to higher cardiovascular disease prevalence in people with type 2 diabetes. Fresh fruit and vegetable intake is associated with higher vitamin C levels and may offer protective cardiovascular effects.

7 Apr 2025

Reducing cardiometabolic risk and inflammation with pomegranate

Pomegranate extract shows promise in lowering systolic blood pressure and inflammatory markers, highlighting its role in promoting healthy aging for adults 55+.

4 Apr 2025

Study reveals hidden cardiovascular risks in real-world low-carb diets

Researchers examined a real-world low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet population to assess links between nutrient intake and cardiovascular risk.

2 Apr 2025

WARRIOR trial finds no impact of intensive therapy on heart events in women

An intensive three-drug regimen of heart medications did not significantly impact the rate of serious cardiovascular events at five years in women who experienced signs and symptoms of ischemia, or insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, but had no blockages in their heart's arteries, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session.

29 Mar 2025

A pecan a day keeps bad cholesterol away

Daily consumption of 57g of pecans for 12 weeks improved cholesterol profiles and diet quality in adults at risk of cardiometabolic disease, without affecting vascular health. Replacing typical snacks with pecans led to higher intake of healthy fats and fiber, and reduced carbohydrate consumption.

24 Mar 2025

Red wine lowers bad cholesterol but doesn’t improve overall heart health

Moderate red wine consumption is linked to a small but significant reduction in LDL cholesterol, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 studies. However, the study found no consistent effects on HDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, or fibrinogen.

24 Mar 2025

Cannabis use found to raise heart attack risk among younger adults

Marijuana is now legal in many places, but is it safe? Two new studies add to mounting evidence that people who use cannabis are more likely to suffer a heart attack than people who do not use the drug, even among younger and otherwise healthy adults.

18 Mar 2025

Eating ultra-processed foods harms your gut—here’s how inflammation takes hold

Ultra-processed foods disrupt gut microbiome balance, causing inflammation, reduced microbial diversity, and increased gut permeability. This microbiome imbalance contributes to chronic diseases including diabetes, IBD, cancer, and neurological disorders.

6 Mar 2025

Why life expectancy gains in Europe stalled—and how some countries stayed ahead

Life expectancy gains in Europe slowed after 2011, with the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerating declines—while some countries maintained progress through sustained public health policies.

25 Feb 2025

Higher 'bad' cholesterol levels may help Sardinia’s seniors live longer, study finds

Higher LDL cholesterol levels (≥130 mg/dL) were linked to longer survival in Sardinian nonagenarians, challenging the conventional belief that lower cholesterol is always better. However, very high cholesterol levels, particularly in women, did not show additional longevity benefits.

24 Feb 2025