In the last post we discussed the way olive oil components switch off mTOR and switch on AMPK. This article shows that saturated fat switches on mTOR with damage to cells that are vital to kidney function. Damage to these cells causes protein to leak into the urine which means that the risk of heart attack, stroke, and dialysis are much greater. We know that protein in the urine indicates higher risk.
One very interesting finding in this study is that unsaturated fats like those found in olive oil block mTOR activation by saturated fats. There is more to the story of saturated fat as a risk factor for vascular disease. It does not merely raise cholesterol. It switches on mTOR and switches off AMPK. That has very practical application.
We were taught for decades that a low-fat diet was the healthiest. Now there are those who go the other way and say that we should limit sugar and carbs to the point of developing ketones in our blood (ketogenic diet) and that saturated fat is ok. I think the best answer is a Mediterranean diet with more fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy, beans, peas, nuts, seafood, and poultry—more real whole food. Dramatically reduce sugar and processed carb intake. When you use carbs, get the highest fiber content you can find. I can tell you I will be usuing more olive oil. The path to better health can be pretty easy. The new science ties it all together.
The Green Mediterranean Diet is even biologically more helpful by reducing if not eliminating chicken and minimizing fish while increase ideally organic unprocessed whole foods which do not generate a rise in cholesterol in the first place. HRS, MD, FACC
Yup!