For decades, doctors have warned against consuming cholesterol-rich foods like red meat and eggs, based on the belief that they raise levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), thereby increasing the risk of heart disease.
اضافة اعلان
Cholesterol is a waxy, naturally occurring substance essential for building cells and producing vital vitamins and hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. It comes in two main types: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), known as bad cholesterol, which can build up in arteries and cause blockages; and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol, which helps remove LDL by transporting it to the liver for processing.
However, in recent years, experts have begun questioning the long-held belief that high LDL levels directly lead to heart disease. New research suggests that the issue may lie more in extremely low HDL levels than in elevated LDL.
These doubts have been reinforced by specific cases—one of which was studied by Dr. Nick Norwitz, a researcher in metabolic disorders. Despite his patient recording very high LDL levels, she showed no signs of heart disease or arterial blockage and was otherwise in good health.
This prompted Dr. Norwitz to participate in a study involving 100 individuals on a ketogenic diet—low in carbohydrates and high in fat, traditionally feared for raising cholesterol. Surprisingly, these participants showed excellent metabolic health, high HDL levels, low inflammation markers, and no signs of arterial plaque.
The study revealed that their bodies were producing large, buoyant LDL particles that are less likely to stick to artery walls, thus weakening the link between high LDL and heart disease. Furthermore, they did not require statins—cholesterol-lowering medications taken by 1 in 6 Americans.
The conclusion? LDL is not a one-size-fits-all indicator of heart disease risk. Factors such as genetics, high blood pressure, obesity, and lack of physical activity play a larger role in determining actual risk.
As Dr. Norwitz puts it: “The medical field has long focused on measurable numbers and marketable drugs, instead of broader metabolic health. But this study exposes a flaw in the conventional medical model.”
(Source: Daily Mail)
