High cholesterol levels are believed to lead to heart conditions and early death. Statin drugs to lower LDL cholesterol are prescribed to more than 13 million Americans, and almost all men over the age of 60. Research published in the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism in April 2015 now shows that, as you age, having high cholesterol is beneficial. The research, which was conducted in Japan, showed that people with the highest cholesterol levels had the lowest mortality rate from heart disease. The report states, “mortality actually goes down with higher total or low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, as reported by most Japanese epidemiological studies of the general population.”
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-soluble nutrient. It is soft and waxy and is essential for the human body. Though recognized as leading to atherosclerosis, cholesterol is also responsible for many important biological functions in the body. The human brain cannot function without cholesterol. Cholesterol is also important for the production of steroid hormones. Cholesterol helps reduce stress and may even be a treatment for MS, as the body needs cholesterol to build the myelin sheath that protects the nerves.
Cholesterol deficiency
People who have a genetic deficiency in cholesterol have a disease called Smith-Lemli-Opitz, or SLOS. This disease is recessive, so both parents need to have the disease for it to be passed on. People who have low or no cholesterol suffer from autism, vision problems, lower immunity and increased infections, and difficulty digesting food. Those born with no ability to make cholesterol can also have physical deformities in their hands, feet, or internal organs.
Basically, what I am picking up from this article is that cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease after all. Diet and inflammation are more the probable cause. Therefore, statins may be unnecessary. What do you think? Personally, I think it is preferable to keep cholesterol under control and statin has been proven to do this. However, if there are natural alternatives that are safer then why not take these instead. But, that is my personal opinion.
In terms of supplements here are five heart-health supplements you might want to try. But do you your own research too.
Coenzyme Q10
Fish oil
Niacin
Red yeast rice
Vitamin D3
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Source: Natural News
