New link between high-fat ‘Western’ diet and atherosclerosis identified

Researchers have found that a diet high in saturated fat raises levels of endothelial lipase, an enzyme associated with the development of atherosclerosis, and, conversely, that a diet high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fat lowers levels of this enzyme. The findings establish a “new” link between diet and athersoclerosis and suggest a novel way to prevent cardiovascular heart disease