Cholesterol vehicle in experimental atherosclerosis. A brief review with special reference to peanut oil

In general, the level of unsaturation of a fat determines its effect on plasma cholesterol level-the level being lower with more unsaturated fat. However, some exceptions do exist. One such exception is cocoa butter, which is not as cholesterolemic or atherogenic for rabbits as would be expected from its level of saturation. The reason for this anomaly is believed to be the high level of stearic acid present in cocoa butter. Peanut oil is also anaomalous, being unexpectedly atherogenic for monkeys, rabbits, and rats. Randomization of peanut oil reduces its atherogenicity, suggesting that the structure of the triglyceride comprising peanut oil may affect its atherogenic potential. Another possibility is that a lectin present in peanut oil may be responsible for its atherogenic capacity.