Is low cholesterol really safe?

Surprising facts about heart health

Author

Kos Zharoid
January 22, 2025

There are two sides to every coin... and then there's the edge where the smart people sit.

Everything you thought you knew about cholesterol might be wrong.

Far from being harmful, cholesterol is vital for your cells, your brain, and even your heart health. Learn why lowering it too much could do more harm than good.

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Your heart’s best friend: The truth about cholesterol and saturated fat.

Think everything you've heard about cholesterol being bad for you is true? Think again! Cholesterol isn't your enemy – it's essential for life itself. Every single cell in your body needs cholesterol to work properly. This might surprise you, but your brain is especially rich in cholesterol – it makes up about 25% of all the cholesterol in your body!

Let’s break down some common myths:

We've been told that eating saturated fat raises our "bad" cholesterol levels. However, this isn't accurate. When you eat saturated fat, your body doesn't simply turn it into cholesterol.

Instead, your body processes fats in your digestive system and packages them into special carriers called chylomicrons that transport fats throughout your body. Think of it like this: when you eat foods containing saturated fat (like eggs, meat, or butter), your body breaks them down and uses them for energy, cell repair, and many other important functions.

Think of cholesterol as a taxi service, and imagine your bloodstream as a city's streets. Since fats can't mix with blood (like oil doesn't mix with water), your body creates special "taxis" called lipoproteins to transport fats and cholesterol.

These lipoproteins come in different types, including LDL (often called "bad" cholesterol) and HDL (called "good" cholesterol). But here's the thing – there's no such thing as "good" or "bad" cholesterol. It's all the same chemical: C27H46O. The only difference is how it's transported around your body.

These lipoproteins also carry other important substances your cells need, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, and proteins. They act like a delivery service, bringing essential supplies to every cell in your body.

LDL - not the bad guy.

After all, contrary to popular belief, LDL plays a vital role in your health. Every cell in your body has special receptors that grab these LDL "taxis" when they need what's inside.

These packages contain important materials cells need to stay healthy and repair themselves. Just as you wouldn't blame delivery trucks for traffic problems in a city, we shouldn't blame LDL for heart problems.

When arteries are damaged (from poor diet, smoking, pollution, or stress), cholesterol helps repair the damage. It's like a band-aid for your arteries - it's there to help, not hurt! This explains why cholesterol is often found at sites of arterial damage - it's part of your body's natural repair crew.

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Why is low cholesterol harmful in late life?

In your digestive system, cholesterol aids in the formation of bile acids, which are necessary for the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Further, cholesterol is integral to myelin sheath formation, enhancing nerve signal transmission throughout your body.

It acts as a precursor for various essential hormones and is vital in producing vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight, contributing to bone health and immune function.

A balanced amount of cholesterol is indispensable for optimal health and plays a protective role as you age.

The study identified an optimal range for TC levels in people aged 85 and older. Participants with TC levels between 3.40 and 4.39 mmol/L (131 to 170 mg/dL) and those with levels at or above 4.39 mmol/L (170 mg/dL) had significantly lower mortality risks than those with levels below 3.40 mmol/L.

"Our findings contribute to the growing body of evidence challenging the ‘lower is better’ paradigm for cholesterol levels in older adults," the researchers noted, proposing that the optimal TC range for older adults might lie between 3.40 and 5.18 mmol/L (131 to 200 mg/dL).

The problem with cholesterol-lowering drugs.

While doctors often prescribe statins to lower cholesterol, these drugs come with serious concerns. Recent research shows that taking statins for five years might only add three to four days to your life. Meanwhile, they can cause problems like:

A better way to heart health.

Instead of worrying about cholesterol numbers, focus on these key factors for better heart health:

  1. Eat real, whole foods instead of processed ones - this means vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, eggs, and natural fats

  2. Get enough sleep (aim for 7-9 hours) and manage stress through activities you enjoy

  3. Stay active throughout the day – even simple walking for 30 minutes can make a big difference

  4. Take care of your gut health by avoiding harmful chemicals and processed oils

  5. Maintain regular movement throughout your day rather than sitting for long periods.

Remember:

Your body needs cholesterol to function properly. Instead of trying to lower it with drugs, focus on giving your body the nutrients it needs through healthy, whole foods.

This approach not only helps your heart but also improves your overall health. Cholesterol levels naturally vary throughout the year, typically being higher in winter when your body produces less vitamin D from sunlight.

Understanding cholesterol's true role in your body can help you make better decisions about your health. Don't fear cholesterol; appreciate it as the vital substance it is.

Focus on overall health through good nutrition, regular movement, and stress management rather than trying to achieve specific cholesterol numbers. By taking care of your body as a whole, you're more likely to achieve and maintain good heart health naturally, without relying on medications that might cause more problems than they solve.

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Warm regards,
Kos and Helen.

Health and nutrition disclaimer: click here.

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