Cholesterol has gotten a bad reputation over the last couple decades, and today it is still viewed like a dirty word. It has been portrayed as something to be feared and avoided at all costs.
However, cholesterol is a very important molecule that is crucial for building cells, and for producing sex hormones and vitamin D. In a nutshell, that means all this talk of low-fat and low-cholesterol is more harmful in the long run than good.
Here are a few reasons to rethink your fears about cholesterol.
Cholesterol research has been flawed
The defining research study that led to our current fear of cholesterol was the Seven Countries Study, directed by Dr. Ancel Keys back in 1953. Dr. Keys gathered data from 22 countries, but in his final report, he only used selective information from seven countries that happened to correlate with his preconceived hypothesis.
Cholesterol plays a role in good health
Cholesterol is found in your bloodstream and in every cell of your body. It is important to producing sex hormones, cell membranes, and bile acids that you need for digesting fat. It is also a key part of the production of vitamin D. Sunlight exposure on your skin triggers the conversion of cholesterol into vitamin D. Cholesterol also plays a role in maintaining the health of your brain and memory formation.
Total cholesterol is misleading
You need to understand that simply looking at a total cholesterol number on a label will not give you a true measurement of your health risk. There are two types of cholesterol in the body. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a “good” cholesterol and can be helpful in preventing heart disease.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a “bad” cholesterol that can potentially be problematic. Large particles of LDL are usually harmless. However, when they are small and dense they could squeeze through the artery lining and cause inflammation and damage.
Be cautious regarding pro-statin studies
Keep in mind that most studies that are pro-statin are sponsored by the drug manufacturing companies themselves. It doesn’t take a stretch of the imagination to realize that the results may typically be skewed in favor of the medications.
Look at all your options besides cholesterol lowering medication
For many people, cholesterol lowering medications are not the best method of treatment. Consider a holistic approach to reduce your numbers into a normal zone based on all your risk factors.
To get a picture of your real risk factors, request that your doctor orders an NMR LipoProfile. Also consider requesting tests for HDL/cholesterol ratio, triglyceride/HDL ratio, fasting insulin level, fasting blood sugar level, and iron count. These tests can help you and your doctor determine what methods of treatment may be beneficial besides cholesterol lowering drugs.
So, when it comes to fear of cholesterol, consider the factors mentioned here and do a little research of your own. In the end, make a health conscious choice that is best for you based on knowledge, not on a popular stigma.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/01/12/7-factors-cholesterol-levels.aspx
http://chriskresser.com/the-diet-heart-myth-cholesterol-and-saturated-fat-are-not-the-enemy
Hey there, You have done a fantastic job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
After reading your article, I have some doubts about gate.io. I don’t know if you’re free? I would like to consult with you. thank you.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
Fantastic site. A lot of helpful info here. I’m sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks on your sweat!
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Fantastic site. Lots of helpful information here. I am sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks for your effort!
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this information for my mission.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
This is exactly the kind of content I’ve been searching for.
Very relevant and timely content. Appreciate you sharing this.
This was really well done. I can tell a lot of thought went into making it clear and user-friendly. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.