Which dietary component is recommended for hypercholesterolemia?

Which dietary component is recommended for hypercholesterolemia?

• A. Increase intake of monounsaturated fats such as olive oil
• B. Replace with saturated fats
• C. Increase trans fats
• D. Eliminate fruits

Answer: (A)

Increasing monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, is beneficial because replacing saturated fats with these healthier fats tends to lower LDL cholesterol and improve the overall cholesterol ratio (total cholesterol to HDL). Olive oil supplies oleic acid, a key monounsaturated fat that contributes to this favorable lipid shift. In contrast, trans fats raise LDL and lower HDL, so increasing them would worsen cholesterol levels. Eliminating fruits isn’t advisable, since fruits provide fiber and other nutrients that can help with cholesterol management.

Increasing monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, is beneficial because replacing saturated fats with these healthier fats tends to lower LDL cholesterol and improve the overall cholesterol ratio (total cholesterol to HDL). Olive oil supplies oleic acid, a key monounsaturated fat that contributes to this favorable lipid shift. In contrast, trans fats raise LDL and lower HDL, so increasing them would worsen cholesterol levels. Eliminating fruits isn’t advisable, since fruits provide fiber and other nutrients that can help with cholesterol management.