Researchers studied 404 college students in Ecuador to understand how their eating habits and background affect their heart health. They found that students eating lots of fatty foods had higher cholesterol and blood pressure compared to those eating healthier diets. Interestingly, where students were from and their family background also played a role in their heart health markers. The study suggests that helping young adults make better food choices could prevent heart problems later in life, and that different regions might need different approaches to improve student health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How the foods college students eat and their personal background (like where they’re from and their family history) connect to their heart health measurements
  • Who participated: 404 college students (58% female, 42% male) with an average age of 23 years from two universities in Ecuador
  • Key finding: Students eating very high-fat diets had significantly higher triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) and blood pressure than those eating low-fat diets. Only 2% of students ate a truly healthy, nutrient-rich diet, while 22% ate very high-fat diets
  • What it means for you: If you’re a college student, the foods you choose now may affect your heart health for years to come. Switching from fatty foods to healthier options could help protect your heart, though individual results vary based on genetics and other factors

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers looked at a group of people at one point in time rather than following them over years. Between 2022 and 2023, researchers collected information from 404 college students at two Ecuadorian universities. They asked students about their eating habits using two methods: students recalled everything they ate in the past 24 hours, and they answered questions about foods they typically eat. Researchers also measured students’ blood pressure and took blood samples to check cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. They then looked for patterns between what students ate, their background information, and their heart health numbers.

This research approach is important because it shows real-world connections between diet and heart health in young adults. College is a time when students often develop eating habits that stick with them for life. By studying this age group, researchers can identify when to start prevention efforts. The study also looked at how background factors like family history and region affect heart health, which helps explain why different groups of people might need different health strategies.

This study has several strengths: it measured actual blood markers (not just asking people about their health), it included a decent-sized group of students, and it looked at multiple factors affecting heart health. However, because it’s a snapshot in time rather than following students over years, we can’t be completely sure that diet causes the heart changes—only that they’re connected. The study was published in a respected public health journal, which suggests it met scientific standards. Readers should know this is one study in one country, so results might differ in other places with different food cultures and healthcare systems.

What the Results Show

The most striking finding was about fat intake and heart health. Women eating very high-fat diets had triglyceride levels averaging 189.6 mg/dL, compared to 132.4 mg/dL for women eating low-fat diets—a meaningful difference. Men eating high-fat diets had higher blood pressure readings (128.3 systolic and 83.7 diastolic) compared to men eating low-fat diets. In contrast, the small group eating nutrient-rich diets showed better heart health numbers overall. The study also revealed that only 2% of students followed a truly healthy diet, suggesting most students could improve their eating habits. Women from coastal regions had lower blood pressure than women from other areas, suggesting geography and possibly lifestyle differences matter for heart health.

Several background factors influenced heart health markers. Where a student’s father was from affected cholesterol and blood pressure readings in male students, suggesting family genetics and possibly shared family eating habits play a role. Where male students currently lived also affected their blood pressure. These findings highlight that heart health isn’t just about individual food choices—family background and environment matter too. The study found these patterns even after accounting for other factors, making them more reliable.

This research aligns with what scientists already know: high-fat diets increase heart disease risk, and this risk starts early in life. Previous studies in older adults showed similar connections between diet quality and cholesterol levels. What’s new here is showing these patterns clearly in young adults in Ecuador, suggesting the problem is global. The finding that only 2% eat well-balanced diets is concerning and higher than rates in some developed countries, indicating Ecuador may need stronger nutrition education programs.

This study has important limitations to consider. Because researchers only looked at students at one moment in time, they can’t prove that diet causes the heart changes—only that they’re connected. Students might have changed their diets recently, so we don’t know their long-term eating patterns. The study only included students from two universities in Ecuador, so results might not apply to students in other countries or regions. The researchers didn’t measure all factors that affect heart health, like exercise, stress, or sleep. Finally, students might not have accurately reported what they ate, which could affect the results.

The Bottom Line

College students should aim to reduce high-fat foods and eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This change could help lower cholesterol and blood pressure now and reduce heart disease risk later. The evidence for this recommendation is strong based on this and many other studies. Students should also be aware that family history matters—if heart disease runs in your family, paying attention to diet becomes even more important. These recommendations are appropriate for most healthy college students, though individual needs vary.

All college students should care about these findings, especially those who eat lots of fried foods, fast food, or processed snacks. Students with family histories of heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol should pay special attention. The findings also matter for university administrators and health educators who can improve campus food options and nutrition education. However, this study doesn’t apply to people with certain medical conditions who need specialized diets—they should follow their doctor’s advice instead.

You won’t see dramatic changes overnight, but blood pressure and cholesterol can improve within 2-4 weeks of eating better. More significant improvements in heart health typically take 3-6 months of consistent healthy eating. The real benefit comes from maintaining these habits for years, which can prevent heart disease decades later. Think of it as an investment in your future health.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily fat intake in grams and weekly average blood pressure readings (if you have access to a monitor). Set a goal to reduce daily fat intake by 10-15% each week until reaching recommended levels, and monitor whether blood pressure improves over 4-6 weeks
  • Use the app to log meals and identify high-fat foods you eat regularly, then find one healthier substitute each week. For example, if you eat fried chicken twice weekly, try grilled chicken once and gradually increase. Set reminders to drink water instead of sugary drinks and to eat a fruit or vegetable with each meal
  • Weekly check-ins on dietary fat intake and monthly blood pressure tracking (at a pharmacy or health center if you don’t have a home monitor). Create a simple chart showing trends over 3-6 months. Share results with a health provider to ensure improvements are happening and get personalized advice

This research shows connections between diet and heart health in college students but cannot prove diet directly causes heart changes. Individual results vary based on genetics, overall lifestyle, and other health factors. This information is educational and should not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. If you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, consult with a healthcare professional before making major dietary changes. Anyone with existing medical conditions should follow their doctor’s specific dietary recommendations.