She said it was also important to remember that regular physical activity combined with a diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in saturated fat was still the best way to combat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

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The large doses of fructose from both sucrose (table sugar) and high fructose corn syrup may be particularly detrimental to your health as they can cause the accumulation of metabolically toxic belly fat, cholesterol abnormalities -- including high triglycerides and reduced levels of HDL (good cholesterol) -- and nonalcoholic associated fatty liver disease.

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The plaintiffs sued for deceptive acts and practices under the federal Consumer Protection Act, New York's General Business Law and New York City's Administrative Code, charging that McDonald's negligently sold food high in cholesterol and fat, and failed to warn about the dangers.

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People were also eating far too much saturated fat, which can lead to high cholesterol levels, and consequently heart disease.

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Grapeseed, canola and olive oils all "have high concentrations of unsaturated fat that help promote beneficial cholesterol levels, " she says.

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The diet is high in animal protein, which could lead to an excess intake of saturated fat, resulting in elevated cholesterol levels, an increased risk of heart disease and increased risk of certain types of cancer.

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