Cholesterol - Facts

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. It is simply information found through experience and/or research. Always follow the directives of a licensed health professional. Neither Anita Bastian or the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research

With so much information and some declared "misinformation" or "disinformation," it has never been more challenging to know what to believe.   (Honestly - everything is just information.  We have to sort out and discern what is valid, and what is not.)

It is super important now more than ever to stay grounded in the truths we know.  Psalm 139:14 is one of the truths that keeps me grounded in regards to health.  It says, "I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well."

Every day, this verse reminds me to praise God because he has made each and everyone of us in such an amazing way. When we give our body the tools it needs, the body can repair and regenerate cells and tissues.  (Our brains and bodies can work better, instead of get worse.) His works are wonderful!   Just look at all the natural tools we have around us.  God has given us all the natural tools we need to be well or get well.  (We just need to keep learning how to use all that He has given us.)

I know you want to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.  So let's consider and investigate this statement about cholesterol, "High cholesterol is bad."  

Here are the facts: 

Fact 1: Cholesterol is vital for nearly every cellular function and it is a key component in production of hormones.  Your brain needs cholesterol.  Your body needs cholesterol.  Hormones like Vitamin D, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone cannot be made without cholesterol.

Fact 2: Cholesterol is an important part of having a healthy cell wall or outer membrane.  (We need healthy cell walls to keep toxins out and allow nutrients in.) 

Fact 3: Approximately 80% of our cholesterol is produced and broken down by the liver.  (Hmm... if our cholesterol level is high, why is it high?  Is our liver struggling to break down cholesterol into the needed components to make  the various hormones we need?)

Fact 4: It's estimated that around 20% of our cholesterol comes from foods containing cholesterol.  Foods that are generally good sources of healthy cholesterol are pasture-raised eggs and 100% grass-fed beef, bison, or lamb.  God made animals to graze in green pastures, not to be fed modified grains.

Fact 5: Eating foods containing "bad fats" may lead to higher cholesterol levels.  (Hmmm. So is cholesterol the bad guy or are the denatured fats we eat in the processed foods or grain-fed animal meats what needs to be addressed?)

Fact 6: Several studies done around the world sited in Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter show that most people with Alzheimer's or dementia have one thing in common.  They have low cholesterol.  It is low cholesterol that is linked to these neurodegenerative struggles - not high cholesterol.  

Fact 7: Both HDL and LDL Cholesterol are needed by the body.  HDL carries cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver. LDL cholesterol is cholesterol bound to protein which allows the cholesterol to be transported around the body.  According to this article LDL even has protective properties, yet it is often the form of cholesterol referred to as "bad."

So True or False?  "High cholesterol is bad."  You decide.

Is it really about controlling cholesterol numbers? If cholesterol numbers are off, perhaps it's time to investigate why.  Only then can we support the body with what it needs to naturally return to balance.  Instead of viewing it as being bad, we could see it as a "check engine" light.  (Time to find out why this check engine light is on.)