http://www.beyondveg.com/nicholson-w/hb/hb-interview2d.shtml
<quote>
Campbell's conclusions about cholesterol and animal protein are
contradicted by evidence from studies of modern hunter-gatherers. Yet
as rigorous as the study is proclaimed to be, I have to tell you that
Campbell's claim that animal protein by itself is the biggest culprit
in raising blood cholesterol is contradicted by studies of modern-day
hunter-gatherers eating considerable amounts of wild game in their
diet who have very low cholesterol levels comparable to those of the
China study. One review of different tribes studied showed low
cholesterol levels for the Hadza of 110 mg/dl (eating 20% animal
food), San Bushmen 120 (20-37% animal), Aborigines 139 (10-75%
animal), and Pygmies at 106, considerably lower than the
now-recommended safe level of below 150.[145] Clearly there are
unaccounted-for factors at work here yet to be studied sufficiently.
</quote>
What's with that?
> Yet as rigorous as the study is proclaimed to be, I have to tell you that
> Campbell's claim that animal protein by itself is the biggest culprit
> in raising blood cholesterol ...
I haven't read Campbell's study, but it is doubtful that he would claim
that -protein- raises blood cholesterol, it would seem more likely that
eating cholesterol or other fats would raise blood cholesterol.
The starting point for cholesterol synthesis is Acetyl-CoA which is
acquired by the breakdown of dietary sugars or fats (Brody - Nutritional
Biochemistry) so it is more likely that excess cholesterol in the body is
sourced by eating the excessive fats/sugars contained in a meat/dairy/junk
diet.
"It is the position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians
of Canada that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful,
nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and
treatment of certain diseases. Vegetarian diets offer a number of
nutritional benefits including lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol,
and animal protein as well as higher levels of carbohydrates, fibre,
magnesium, potassium, folate, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and
phytochemicals. Vegetarians have been reported to have lower body mass
indices than non-vegetarians, as well as lower rates of death from ischemic
heart disease, lower blood cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and
lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and prostate and colon
cancer." PMID: 12826028
"When saturated or trans unsaturated fats are replaced with
monounsaturated or n-6 polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils, primarily
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreases. The LDL to high-density
lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio decreases. ... The theme should be that
diet has benefits that come directly from foods, as well as from the
reduction in saturated fats, cholesterol, meats, and fatty dairy foods."
PMID: 12566134