LDL-RECYCLING “CHEAT CODES”
Easing the processing load on the liver may lead to a
healthier lipid profile, particularly in certain genetic
populations that have a different response to ultra-high-fat
or high-saturated-fat diets. The common gene variant
associated with increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease,
ApoE4, is thought by some to promote an exaggerated
blood-lipid response to saturated fat-namely, increased
LDL–in the 25 percent of the population who carry it.^11
Though the mechanism is not fully understood, some
researchers suspect that it is owed to reduced LDL recycling
by the liver, which can cause LDL to spend more time in
circulation, growing smaller and thereby causing problems.
These tactics are likely to help make your liver an LDL-
recycling superstar:
Regain insulin sensitivity. Eliminate processed grains
(even whole wheat), inflammatory oils, and added
sugars (especially fruit juice, agave syrup, and high-
fructose corn syrup), and reduce consumption of
sweet fruit and starchy vegetables.
Consume more extra-virgin olive oil. A diet rich in
monounsaturated fats (compared to a high “healthy”
carbohydrate diet) reduced liver fat 4.5-fold in a study
of diabetics who had excess fat in their livers.
Avocados and avocado oil, macadamia nuts, and
extra-virgin olive oil are great sources of
monounsaturated fats.