The truth about Cholesterol

If you were to believe everything you read about Cholesterol you would think it was the most sinister and dangerous thing on the planet! What are the myths and truths about this substance and how we can manage our cholesterol levels effectively and safely?

What is cholesterol?

It is a naturally-occurring fat which is fundamentally required for good health. Without it we would die. Contrary to popular belief, in most people, the levels of cholesterol found in the blood have little or nothing to do with fats consumed in the diet. Cholesterol is manufactured in the liver in the amounts required by the body to perform its various functions. It therefore follows that either reducing the amount of fat in the diet or taking pills to reduce cholesterol is absolutely pointless.

Cholesterol lowering drugs like Statins will lower your cholesterol and offer a short term solution, but there is a price to pay for this. One of the most common side effects from statins are muscle cramps, which can be due to the Statins destroying the Coenzyme Q10 in the body. Co-Q10 is a vital antioxidant which, according to numerous scientific and clinical studies produces energy in cells and protects tissues, such as the heart and other vital organs.

Our bodies raise cholesterol levels when there are insufficient vitamins and minerals available. Usually our bodies use these vital components to keep our arteries in good condition, as they are under continual attack from free radicals and other cell damaging forces. As a result our bodies use cholesterol to repair the damage to the arteries. They do this by putting a ‘band aid' over damaged areas. Over time a build up of these cause the arteries to ‘fur up'. Cholesterol is a sign of a problem, not the cause of the problem!

Having your cholesterol tested regularly is a good idea, it is important to have not eaten for 12 hours. Ask your doctor for the breakdown of the test which will include a reading of the good cholesterol HDL the bad cholesterol LDL and another type of fat called triglyceride. Reducing cholesterol too much can have adverse effects on the body, ideally you need to have a combined level of around 5.0.

If your cholesterol level is high you should start giving your body the tools it needs to look after itself. These include substances like vitamin C. According to 2 times Noble Prize winner Dr Linus Pauling high cholesterol is nothing more than chronic scurvy!

Although his research was ridiculed by the medical world it is very interesting to know that there are only a few mammals in the world that do not make vitamin C naturally - humans being one of them. All the other mammals that make their own vitamin C do not suffer with heart disease.

Other supplements that will help are Omega 3 fish oil, antioxidants and nitric oxide releasing products. Cholesterol might have got a lot of bad press but when you look closely it's not such a ‘bad guy' after all.