Have you ever wondered why two people can follow the exact same low-carb diet and end up with completely different health results? New research presented by the American Society for Nutrition points to a simple explanation: your genes.
- Genetic Sensitivity: People genetically predisposed to high cholesterol experience a much sharper increase in bad cholesterol (LDL) when switching to a low-carbohydrate diet compared to those without the genetic tendency.
- The Role of Saturated Fat: High saturated fat intake interacts directly with genetic risk, driving up LDL levels on low-carb diets. This link was not seen in participants following a low-fat diet.
- Polygenic Scoring: Researchers analyzed thousands of genetic variants to build a polygenic score, which helps explain why two people on the exact same low-carb regimen can have completely different cholesterol responses.
- Practical Dietary Advice: Even without genetic testing, individuals on low-carb diets can protect their cardiovascular health by swapping saturated fats (like butter and fatty meats) for unsaturated sources like nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocados.
Source: Science Daily
