Higher cholesterol levels may not necessarily lead to a higher risk of heart attacks, and in fact, people with higher cholesterol have been found to live longer. A 1999 study from the American Heart Association’s annual stroke conference showed that cholesterol levels under 180 were just as likely to result in a stroke as those above 230, highlighting the dangers of low cholesterol. Lower levels of cholesterol have even been associated with autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as bacterial infections and diabetes.
The Truth about Statins and Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
The $100 billion market for statins, cholesterol-lowering drugs, took off when the American Heart Association (AHA) primarily received millions of dollars annually from various pharmaceutical companies. Statin treatment has been prescribed to one in three U.S. adults in recent years, earning Lipitor, the most widely used statin, more than $140 billion in sales. However, there is no independent research proving that these drugs save lives, despite the fact that one out of every four Americans over the age of 50 is taking them.
Statin side effects include muscle damage (which can be dangerous, as the heart is also a muscle), memory loss, liver injury, and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, statins lower the naturally-occurring levels of CoQ10, a crucial enzyme for heart health.
The Benefits of Coconut Oil for Heart Health
While it is important to consult with a doctor before stopping any prescribed medication, it’s worth considering the many health benefits of coconut oil. The natural, safe, and inexpensive oil has been found to improve neurological and brain health, diabetes control, and slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, it is helpful in promoting overall skin health, combatting harmful germs, and preserving muscle mass.
How to Choose the Right Coconut Oil
There are several types of coconut oil available on the market, and it is essential to choose the right one for you:
- Organic vs. non-organic: Organic coconut oil should be labeled “USDA Organic,” which ensures the coconuts were grown without pesticides.
- Refined vs. unrefined: Refined oil is highly processed, which removes much of the coconut taste but increases the smoke point useful for cooking. It is crucial to choose one that does not use chemicals during the refining process. Unrefined oil preserves the coconut flavor and is higher in nutrients.
- Virgin vs. extra-virgin: There is no significant difference in taste or texture between the two.
- Centrifuge-extracted oil: Made from freshly pressed coconut milk, which is chilled and separated by centrifuge, this oil has a light coconut flavor and is usually more expensive.
- Cold-pressed oil: This has a stronger flavor and is considered high in nutrients, due to being made from dried coconut flakes.
The most important thing to consider when selecting a coconut oil is to avoid chemically processed or hydrogenated varieties.
Conclusion
The detrimental impact of cholesterol on heart health has been a debated issue for many years, and recent studies have shown that low cholesterol levels can pose a severe risk to one’s health. Turning to natural alternatives to maintain heart health has gained popularity, with coconut oil leading the way. This remarkable oil has been shown to have numerous health benefits, ranging from neurological improvement to diabetes control, and may be a suitable alternative or supplement to traditional medications for heart health.
