Cholesterol is often demonized, but it's actually essential for our bodies. Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol is not a type of fat but a wax-like, sterile molecule with a complex structure. It's integral to cell membranes, ensuring they remain waterproof, which is vital for maintaining the correct balance of minerals and charges inside and outside cells. Without enough cholesterol, cell functions deteriorate.
Historical Perspective on Cholesterol Phobia
The fear of cholesterol began over a century ago with the rise of vegetable oils. To compete with traditional animal fats like butter and lard, the vegetable oil industry vilified saturated fats and cholesterol. These were easily measurable in the blood, and over time, high cholesterol levels were wrongfully associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Physician and activist Dr Cate Shanahan published an article in which she leaves a statement: "When I entered medical school, the acceptable LDL cholesterol level was 130. The number was 160 just two years earlier. The rules of the cholesterol game have not changed just once, but a few times. Isn't that a little strange?"
Industry Doctors often warn that high cholesterol is a direct path to heart disease, but this fear is largely unfounded. The healthcare system financially incentivizes the prescription of statins - cholesterol-lowering drugs. Doctors' bonuses and, by extension, their salaries, are often tied to the number of prescriptions written. This system creates immense peer pressure to prescribe statins regardless of individual patient needs.
The Reality of Cholesterol's Impact Studies
Studies have shown no direct correlation between high cholesterol and heart disease. Instead, lower cholesterol levels have been linked to higher cancer risks. Cholesterol is crucial for various bodily functions, including hormone production (e.g., estrogen, testosterone), stress management, and the repair of arterial damage. Thus, cholesterol helps prevent conditions like embolisms and strokes by repairing arterial tears.
Misconceptions about LDL and HDL
The common belief that LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is "bad" cholesterol and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is "good" cholesterol is overly simplistic. Both LDL and HDL are lipoproteins that transport cholesterol to and from cells. They work in harmony rather than opposition. LDL is essential for cellular repair and protecting against infections and endotoxins, especially as one ages.
The Truth About Cholesterol and Artery Health
One of the most pervasive myths about cholesterol is that it clogs the arteries, leading to heart attacks. However, research indicates that cholesterol is not the culprit in artery clogging. Cholesterol's presence in arteries is part of the body's natural repair process, forming scar tissue where needed. The real issue lies with calcium deposits, which accumulate like lime in the arteries from various sources but not from cholesterol itself. This misconception stems from the erroneous belief that high cholesterol levels increase heart attack risk, which is not supported by evidence.
The Body's Resilience and Alternative Pathways
In the book "Human Heart, Cosmic Heart," Tom Cowan discusses how even with significant artery blockages, the heart can find alternative routes to ensure blood flow and oxygenation. The body can build alternate arteries, showcasing its incredible adaptability and resilience. This has been documented in studies published in the journal Circulation, highlighting that for women of any age and men over 60, higher cholesterol levels are associated with longer lifespans.
Statins and Their Questionable Benefits
Despite popular belief, statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs have not significantly improved health outcomes. Large-scale trials involving thousands of participants have shown that while these drugs lower cholesterol, they do not necessarily lead to better health or increased longevity. In fact, reducing cholesterol too much can lead to higher rates of cancer, offsetting any potential reduction in heart disease-related deaths.
The Harmful Effects of Statins
Statins, while lowering cholesterol, have several adverse effects. They can weaken muscles, interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and reduce CoQ10, an enzyme vital for muscle function. These drugs can also exacerbate issues with stress and depression. Often, patients on statins are also prescribed blood pressure medications and drugs like metformin, creating a cocktail of medications that can be toxic and debilitating over time.
The Role of Saturated Fats and Industrial Interests
The vilification of saturated fats and cholesterol has led to dietary guidelines that promote low-fat, low-cholesterol diets, which are often unpalatable and unsatisfying. Such diets can create intense cravings, leading to overconsumption of unhealthy foods like sugar-laden products. Research has shown that high-fat diets can reduce sugar cravings, further contradicting the anti-fat narrative. The sugar industry played a significant role in deflecting blame from sugar to fats, shaping public policy and perceptions to protect its interests.
Choosing the Right Healthcare Approach
Patients often face pressure from doctors to lower cholesterol through both diet and medication. However, not all physicians and other professionals adhere to this one-size-fits-all approach. It's essential to seek out independent practitioners who evaluate health holistically and avoid the financial pressures associated with large medical practices.
If you want to improve your health, one tip is avoid consuming vegetable oils such as soybean, canola and corn oil as much as possible.
"Vegetable oil is oxidative stress in a bottle. The best way to slow down oxidative stress is to get off of vegetable oils and celebrate when your cholesterol goes up because the reason they lower cholesterol is bad. When you get off of them and you see your cholesterol coming up, that means you’re experiencing less oxidative stress. Cholesterol is an antioxidant." Dr Cate Shanahan.
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