The Cholesterol Question

​Does eating a lot of cholesterol cause heart disease?
Some research points to association with cholesterol and heart disease but other research points away from it. Heart disease is not as simple as regulating cholesterol levels, otherwise 50% of people who have had a severe cardiac event wouldn’t have normal cholesterol levels, right? Some studies have even shown that reducing cholesterol can actually increase the risk of heart disease. On top of that, recent research has actually found that eating more eggs can reduce the risk of heart disease! So what is going on? The most updated research seems to point to inflammation as the root of cardiac disease. When lipids (for example LDL) get oxidized from inflammation in the blood stream – that is when they become dangerous. And inflammation in the blood is what ends up recruiting cholesterol to help heal up the areas of damage.

What is cholesterol and what do we need it for?
It’s a small sterol molecule that is found in every cell membrane in your body. It is used to manufacture hormones, Vitamin D, and bile so you can digest fats properly and has an important role to play in the brain and nervous system as well. It is something we need to get from our diet and is found from animal sources- some sources being better than others.

What are worse things for heart disease than cholesterol?
Sugar, refined grain, lack of exercise, smoking, eating overcooked, burnt, rancid or foods cooked at high temperatures, lack of fruit and veggies, and overall and unhealthy lifestyle.
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Thankfully there’s a new test available that goes beyond cholesterol testing to check for cardiac risk. You can learn more about this test here: pulstest.com
And don’t take for granted the value of eating and living well. Not when it increases stress but when it promotes well-being and contentment.
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