Macro partitioning
Replacing carbohydrates or saturated fats with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) significantly increases HDL-cholesterol and decreases triacylglycerols in healthy subjects.
To improve your HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides, consider replacing some carbohydrates or saturated fats in your diet with monounsaturated fats (like olive oil, avocados, or nuts). Ensure you keep your total calorie intake the same (isoenergetic) so you aren't just adding fat on top of your current diet.
Several studies indicated an increase of HDL-cholesterol and a corresponding decrease in triacylglycerols following a MUFA-rich diet.
Why this rating
Based on multiple meta-analyses of RCTs (Clarke et al., Mensink et al.) showing consistent results.
Source
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Synopsis of the Evidence Available from Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Lukas Schwingshackl et al. · Nutrients · 2012
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