The Importance of Cholesterol

Cholesterol:
• makes the cells in our body waterproof.
This is necessary because there is a different series of reactions taking place inside and outside the cell. If there is not enough cholesterol in the cell membrane cells become leaky. Nerve and muscle tissue cannot work correctly.
• is important in the development of memory.
• is necessary for the uptake of hormones in the brain. Serotonin, the body’s feel good chemical, does not work properly when cholesterol levels drop too low.
• is the main organic molecule in the brain, making up half the dry weight of the brain.

This a good start but there is more.

Cholesterol also:
• functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting us against cancer and aging.
• is a precursor to Vitamin D, which is the mediator of mineral metabolism. Vitamin D is a fat soluble activator, which according to Weston A. Price, DDS, needs animal fat to do its job in the cell. It has many roles including a possible inhibition of some cancers.
• is a precursor to hormones of the adrenal cortex. These hormones regulate blood sugar levels, and mineral use in the body.

And still more.

Cholesterol
• is a precursor to the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
• is a precursor to the bile salts.
Bile is vital for the digestion and assimilation of dietary fats.

What Low Cholesterol May Influence

Pediatricians at the University of California at San Diego described a child that could not synthesize cholesterol. His cholesterol blood level was reported to be 70-79 mg/dl, which is very low.

The child was mentally retarded, had a very small head for his age, was profoundly anemic, could not maintain proper blood acidity, had frequent fevers, and cataracts. He died at age 24 months.

While this is an extreme example, I hope it helps to illustrate the importance of cholesterol in the human body.

Prominent Saturated Fat-Cholesterol Heart Disease Proponents

With effects on so many body processes I find it difficult to believe that lowering cholesterol is the target of so many individuals and organizations. Including our federal government.

The American Heart Association in its scientific position has one sentence on the importance of cholesterol in the body. It then says a high cholesterol level is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says our cholesterol levels have a lot to do with our chances of getting heart disease. The Institute says the desirable total cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg/dL.

While it is true that high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, high cholesterol is one of several effects resulting from an unhealthy diet. It is not a cause of heart disease.

No Evidence To Support Cholesterol-Saturated Fat Cause of Heart Disease

According to Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD, there is no evidence to support the saturated fat-cholesterol cause of heart disease. Ravnskov maintains that data has been unreasonably manipulated or ignored to produce the ‘right’ story.

He came to this conclusion by wading through the immense volume of scientific literature cited by the saturated fat-cholesterol heart disease adherents. The details are given in his book The Cholesterol Myths.

I am glad to hear that the American Heart Association’s definition of high cholesterol may not be right. As a senior citizen, I might wonder if my cholesterol levels were high enough. It has been shown that normal older people who have the highest cholesterol live the longest.

Some of the above information came from an article entitled The Dangers of Statin Drugs: What You Haven’t Been Told About Cholesterol Lowering Medication, Part 1 By Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig, PhD. The article was originally printed at the Weston A. Price Foundation website.

ADD TO YOUR SOCIAL BOOKMARKS: