The Truth about Cholesterol

Cholesterol is both vital and detrimental to your health. No other nutritional substance is as controversial or misunderstood as cholesterol. Actually, there is no bigger health scandal than the one surrounding cholesterol. The fact is that 999 people out 1000 can control their cholesterol level, but even more importantly it is absolutely possible to control their cardiovascular health by eating the right foods. The remaining 1 out of 1000 can also benefit from nutritional improvement. It is reported that over 80 percent of patients after having experienced a heart attack had normal levels of cholesterol during their hospital admission. Let’s take a closer look. Cholesterol is needed to make hormones and to metabolize vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus. Bile acids are derived from cholesterol for proper digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Cholesterol protects our skin from dehydration and helps heal it from the wind and sun damage and these are just to name a few of the body’s need for cholesterol. Cholesterol can either be found in foods we eat (animal sources) or the body produces it. The more cholesterol containing foods you eat, the less your body will internally produce. Vegetarians do not get any cholesterol from the foods they eat therefore the body produces 100% of their cholesterol. Atherosclerosis is the result of plaque build-up in arteries but damage had to happen in the first place. The biggest culprit of this damage is free radicals. The body’s natural defense is to patch the damage/irritation and it will deposit fibrin molecules at the site. Fibrin isn’t smooth in nature so other particles will get caught at the site (protein, fats, calcium). Compounding the problem, a diet high in refine carbohydrates (white bread, rice, pasta, sugary drinks, desserts, etc.) elevate levels of palmitic and stearic acids and triglycerides, which are sticky in nature and will also get caught at the site. Finally, cholesterol will be the last item deposited on the plaque. Cholesterol is the bystander in this situation and not the cause. Cholesterol is naturally very slippery and would never stick to healthy arteries on its own. As an orthomolecular nutritionist, I would recommend removing sugars and processed oils from your diet (canola, vegetable, corn, sunflower, safflower) and eat a diet rich in antioxidants to combat free radicals (vegetables and fruits). It is also recommended to add good quality fish oil and a good multivitamin daily. This will be your best defense against cardiovascular diseases.