High cholesterol risk runs in your genes but a healthy diet may help offset it, says new study

A new study suggests that a healthy diet may help offset genetic predisposition to high cholesterol levels in Indians. Researchers examined 1,020 adults in Chennai, assessing their genetic risk scores and dietary habits. They found that participants with poor diets had higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to those with healthier diets.

Even those with a high genetic risk for high cholesterol saw their levels reduced when they ate a medium-or high-quality diet. Dr V Mohan, one of the study authors, emphasizes that inherited susceptibility to high cholesterol and diabetes does not mean that diet habits are irrelevant. He advises people to focus on reducing refined carbohydrates, such as polished white rice and refined wheat flour, and instead opt for healthier alternatives like unpolished brown rice and whole-grain wheat.

Additionally, replacing saturated fats like coconut oil and ghee with unsaturated fats found in groundnut, mustard, and sesame oils can help improve lipid health.