1. High cholesterol is not a disease. Increased blood levels (hypercholesterolemia) indicate an inflammatory process is occurring in the body. Cholesterol is released by the liver to repair tissue (cell) damage. Coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and heart attacks all indicate inflammation of the heart tissue or blood vessels. Instead of blaming cholesterol, we need to determine why the cholesterol levels are high and treat the cause of chronic inflammation to reduce the extra need for cholesterol. Supplementing with fish oil is an excellent way to reduce inflammation and protect the cardiovascular system. Eating cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil and raw almonds or walnuts, and eliminating coffee have also been shown to lower cholesterol levels.

2. It is not as simple as having high good cholesterol levels and low bad cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is cholesterol. In the past, HDL (high density lipoprotein) has been touted for its heart-protective properties, and LDL (low density lipoprotein) has been given a bad rap as the cause of heart conditions. In fact, both HDL and LDL are simply fats combined with proteins that travel throughout the blood to various parts of the body to repair tissues. The important value to consider is the total cholesterol : HDL. Also, it is important to note that extremely low cholesterol levels can be as harmful as high cholesterol levels.

3. Cholesterol is needed for the synthesis of sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) and is a precursor to cortisol (our “stress” hormone.) Those of us who are “stressed-out” produce more cortisol and have higher levels of cholesterol. Again, cholesterol is not the culprit, but rather the symptom of a bigger problem.

4. Many studies have shown that those with high cholesterol:

• live longer lives (cholesterol protects us from infection by binding to and inactivating toxins and directly benefits the immune system, lessening the occurrence of chronic diseases.)
• have decreased mortality from heart failure (due to anti-inflammatory properties.)
• are better able to repair muscle tissue and build muscle mass (and…isn’t the heart a muscle?)

5. One of the side effects of statin drugs (cholesterol lowering drugs) is muscle aches and pains, which eventually lead to inflammation. While taking these drugs, the body is unable to produce cholesterol which leads to muscle damage (including the heart muscle.) These drugs also deplete CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10) which is needed to transfer oxygen (energy) to the cells. In essence, statin drugs reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease. All people taking statin drugs need to be supplementing with CoQ10.

6. Animal fats are rich sources of cholesterol and help the body maintain healthy levels. Contrary to popular belief, it is OK to eat wild game or grass-fed beef (red meat) 1-2 times weekly and butter is a healthier choice than margarine.

For more information (evidence and studies), please visit:
http://www.westonaprice.org/moderndiseases/benefits_cholest.html
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2005/05/28/cholesterol-heart.aspx