I’ve been working my way through 6 articles on cholesterol. I thought I would share what I’ve learned. I’ve credited each point with the person who wrote it. I’ve also posted who they are and added the links to their articles. If you take the time to read their whole articles, you may also want to review their resource list which includes documented scientific research. This is aimed at the man in the street.
What is Cholesterol?
- Cholesterol is a fatty substance used to manufacture cell membranes. (MP)
- It is also often called a ‘lipid’ (BH)
- Cholesterol is termed a steroid metabolite. (LP)
What Does Cholesterol Do?
- It is essential for animal life (BH)
- Cholesterol builds brain and nerve tissue, and nourishes the immune system. (MP)
- It makes up over half of the dry weight of the cerebral cortex. (BH)
- Cholesterol is to the brain is what calcium is to the bones. (BH)
- It also helps in the formation of your memories (JM)
- Cholesterol is the base material for hormones – among these are our sex hormones and our stress handling hormones. (BR)
- Our body requires it and uses it continuously. (BR)
Where Does Cholesterol Come From?
- Despite what many people believe it was determined many years ago that the majority of cholesterol in your bloodstream comes from what your liver is manufacturing and distributing. (BH)
- 80% or more cholesterol is produced by the body in the liver, intestines, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs. The liver alone is responsible for 25% of the daily production of cholesterol. (LP)
- Approximately only 20% of a person’s total serum cholesterol levels are due to dietary intake. (LP)
- The amount of cholesterol that one eats plays little role in determining your cholesterol levels. (BH)
What About High Cholesterol Levels?
- Also making up your total cholesterol count are: Triglycerides: Elevated levels of this dangerous fat have been linked to heart disease and diabetes. Triglyceride levels are known to rise from eating too many grains and sugars, being physically inactive, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol excessively and being overweight or obese. (JM)
- Your Total Cholesterol Level is NOT a Great Indicator of Your Heart Disease Risk (JM)
- If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, taking a drug should be your absolute last resort. And when I say last resort, I’m saying the odds are very high, greater than 100 to 1, that you don’t need drugs to lower your cholesterol. (JM)
- Eight of the nine doctors on the panel that developed the new cholesterol guidelines had been making money from the drug companies that manufacture statin cholesterol-lowering drugs. (JM)
Some Little Known Facts About Cholesterol
- Cholesterol is not an enemy. (LP) Cholesterol is Your Friend, Not Your Enemy (JM)
- It has never been conclusively shown that lowering cholesterol saves lives. (BH)
- Several large studies have shown that lowering cholesterol into the range currently recommended is correlated with an increased risk of dying, especially of cancer. (BH)
- Lowering cholesterol too much increases one’s risk of dying. (RR)
- Without cholesterol in the blood stream, tears and irritation in the arteries would lead to aneurisms and ruptures. (Arteries can be damaged by fluctuating blood sugar levels).(MP)
- Not only is cholesterol most likely not going to destroy your health (as you have been led to believe), but it is also not the cause of heart disease. (JM)
What Should I Be Eating?
- Diet does not necessarily mean eating foods low in cholesterol, it means eating foods in such a way as to keep our blood sugar levels constant. (MP)
- Don’t feel guilty about cholesterol and fat (MP)
- Eat a good portion of your food raw. (JM)
- Eat healthy, preferably raw, fats that correspond to your nutritional type. This includes:
– Olive oil
– Coconut and coconut oil
– Organic raw dairy products (including butter, cream, sour cream, cheese, etc.)
– Raw nuts
– Eggs (lightly cooked with yolks intact or raw)
– Organic, grass-fed meats (JM)
- Avoid smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. (JM)
These are just the basics…there is a lot more to learn.
Key & Resources
- BH = Dr Brett Hill – http://www.drbretthill.com/articles/eat/92-what-is-cholesterol-anyway.pdf
- BR = Dr. Bernie Rosen http://www.healthiertalk.com/cholesterol-why-your-body-needs-it-0697
- JM = Dr. Joseph Mercola http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/the-cholesterol-myth-that_b_676817.html
- LP = Dr. Lindsay Pearson http://lpinternalmedicine.com/news/?p=11
- MP = Dr. Marcelle Pick http://www.womentowomen.com/healthyweight/fatandcholesterol.aspx
- RR = Dr Ron Rosedale http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2005/05/28/cholesterol-heart.aspx
Luke 12:2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
Helga is the presenter for the Rise and Shine show on 107.5 CCFm - Cape Town. www.helgavan.com