When monkeys ate more healthy fats like linoleic acid instead of saturated fats, their blood cholesterol levels dropped by about a quarter, no matter the species.
Scientific Claim
In nonhuman primates fed an atherogenic diet, replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat (40% of energy) is associated with a 20–30% reduction in plasma, LDL, and HDL cholesterol concentrations.
Original Statement
“In both species, cholesterol concentrations in whole plasma, LDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were 20-30% lower when polyunsaturated fat was fed”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The abstract describes an observed difference but does not specify randomization or control for confounders; causal language is inappropriate. The study design (animal cohort) cannot confirm causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
When monkeys ate more healthy unsaturated fats instead of saturated fats, their bad and good cholesterol levels dropped by 20–30%, just like the claim says.