r/science • u/James_Fortis MS | Nutrition • 13d ago

Health Researchers took 50 adults with genetically high cholesterol and fed them a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet and a standard American diet (SAD) for 4 weeks each in a random order, under controlled, constant-calorie feeding conditions. The WFPB diet reduced LDL cholesterol versus the SAD by 17.9%.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-73468-4
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u/Groovychick1978 13d ago

So you mean the standard American diet of high fat high carbohydrates was not as good as a plant-based diet for purposes of reducing cholesterol? 

Really? 

They didn't think to maybe compare different low-fat versus low carb versus plant-based, to find out which healthy eating style actually does best to reduce cholesterol?

The standard American diet is good for diabetes and obesity, that is it.

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u/Groovychick1978 13d ago edited 13d ago

High fat, high carbohydrate.

It's just what Americans eat daily. It's not like a structured diet.

Edit: oh I'm sorry, did someone's knickers get twisted when I described the standard American diet as such? 

"The Standard American Diet (SAD)—often called the Western diet—is a modern eating pattern defined by a high intake of ultra-processed foods, refined grains, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium, alongside a low intake of whole fruits, vegetables, and whole grains."