Debunking the Cholesterol Myth
For years, people have been warned against consuming foods high in cholesterol, such as eggs, butter, whole raw milk, cheese, and fatty meats. The cholesterol myth is at the core of the multibillion-dollar cholesterol (statin drug) industry. The problem is that this myth has misled the public into avoiding nutrient-rich foods that can help balance cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol in Natural Foods
Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol-rich foods like eggs, butter, whole raw milk, cheese, and fatty meats also have natural compounds that help regulate cholesterol levels. These compounds, known as phospholipids and lecithins, are removed from processed and synthetic foods. Cholesterol is essential for maintaining good heart and brain health, and the human body needs high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, otherwise known as good cholesterol.
Phospholipids and lecithins are part of the vitamin E complex, which loses up to 99% of its potency when these compounds are removed. Consuming natural foods containing cholesterol ensures the body gets essential nutrients while maintaining proper cholesterol levels.
The Statin Mistake
Taking a statin drug to control cholesterol levels is generally unnecessary and possibly even harmful. Despite a massive increase in the use of statin drugs, countries like Sweden have not seen a decrease in the rate of heart attacks, according to a population-based study conducted between 1998 and 2003.
Statin drugs, used in the United States since 1987, were approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a way to lower cholesterol by inhibiting a liver enzyme. They have become some of the most widely prescribed drugs worldwide. Large pharmaceutical companies, such as Merck and Pfizer, have made billions of dollars promoting the idea that lower cholesterol levels can reduce heart disease and arteriosclerosis.
Challenging the Cholesterol Myth
Many doctors have accepted the cholesterol myth without questioning it, reinforcing a widespread belief that is not backed by sufficient evidence. Cholesterol drugs can have detrimental effects on human health, sometimes destroying CoQ10 and causing other complications. Some common side effects of cholesterol medications include Type II diabetes, memory loss, and other cognitive disorders.
Rather than protecting people from heart disease, lowering cholesterol levels through statin drugs may actually result in increased risk of heart disease and other conditions. A 30-year follow-up of the famous Framingham Study found that deaths from heart disease and all other causes increased by 11% for each 1% drop in cholesterol levels.
The Power of Vitamin D
Studies show that vitamin D can be a powerful tool in promoting heart health. Physician John Cannell, M.D., has analyzed two studies that reveal vitamin D as the missing link for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Hull York Medical School in England conducted a study that compared the effects of Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Zocor (simvastatin), two commonly prescribed cholesterol medications. These drugs reduce cholesterol equally and are used to prevent cardiovascular disease. However, the study found that patients on Lipitor had fewer cardiovascular events than those on Zocor. According to the researchers, this is likely due to Lipitor raising vitamin D levels more effectively than Zocor.
This research suggests that increasing vitamin D levels can help reduce cardiovascular stress. Proper vitamin D levels have also been proven to reduce the severity and frequency of colds and flu, as well as a variety of other conditions, including cancer, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes types I and II, signs of aging, osteoporosis, seizures, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, schizophrenia, inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, infertility, depression, and asthma.
In conclusion, the cholesterol myth has misled the public into avoiding the very foods that can help regulate proper cholesterol levels in the body. Instead of relying on cholesterol medications, incorporating cholesterol-rich natural foods that are high in vital nutrients, including vitamin D, can promote a healthier heart and overall wellbeing.
