Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
Animal protein’s contribution to high cholesterol and atherosclerosis has been historically overshadowed by a focus on dietary cholesterol and saturated fats. Despite the empirical evidence linking high animal protein consumption and higher cholesterol, which goes back over a century, we have been told repeatedly to prioritize choosing low-fat animal foods. What might the consequences of that be? And what about plant-based protein—does it have a similar cholesterol-raising effect?
References
1. Forsythe WA, Green MS, Anderson JJ. Dietary protein effects on cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations: a review. J Am Coll Nutr. 1986;5(6):533-549. doi:10.1080/07315724.1986.10720155
Campbell TC. The Future of Nutrition (with Nelson Disla). BenBella Books, Inc., Dallas TX, 2020.
2. Li SS, Blanco Mejia S, Lytvyn L, et al. Effect of Plant Protein on Blood Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Am Heart Assoc. 2017;6(12):e006659. Published 2017 Dec 20. doi:10.1161/JAHA.117.006659
Animal protein’s contribution to high cholesterol and atherosclerosis has been historically overshadowed by a focus on dietary cholesterol and saturated fats. Despite the empirical evidence linking high animal protein consumption and higher cholesterol, which goes back over a century, we have been told repeatedly to prioritize choosing low-fat animal foods. What might the consequences of that be? And what about plant-based protein—does it have a similar cholesterol-raising effect?
References
1. Forsythe WA, Green MS, Anderson JJ. Dietary protein effects on cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations: a review. J Am Coll Nutr. 1986;5(6):533-549. doi:10.1080/07315724.1986.10720155
Campbell TC. The Future of Nutrition (with Nelson Disla). BenBella Books, Inc., Dallas TX, 2020.
2. Li SS, Blanco Mejia S, Lytvyn L, et al. Effect of Plant Protein on Blood Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Am Heart Assoc. 2017;6(12):e006659. Published 2017 Dec 20. doi:10.1161/JAHA.117.006659
