Cholesterol

[hhfarang]

...but at what cost of fun?

[Homer]

...but at what cost of fun?

Healthy diet and good physical condition enhance fun, there is no cost. Those who consider liver abuse and the related activities fun will disagree.

[J.J.B.]

I think these levels are set low to capture as many people as possible and enrich the 'low fat' industry along with the drug companies that profit from it.

People who demand 'solid evidence' in other areas will guzzle pills without a second thought. Where is the solid evidence that 'high' cholesterol levels, above 200, are harmful?

I do agree that refined and rancid oils are unhealthy, just as all 'industrial' foods are unhealthy. I avoid them myself but a good exercise program can compensate for a multitude of 'sins'. There is an obvious trend so I'd keep an eye on it.

If you like Thai food, then do as the Thais do. Eat those dark leafy greens. They are nature's 'clean-up crew'!

As far as I am aware, this is largely true and probably good advice. The 'charts' that tell you what your cholesterol should be are no more reliable than the ones that claim the average dick is '5.7 inches long' and blood pressure should be '120 over 80'. There is no such thing as the 'average' person and while organisations promoting drugs called 'statins', to lower cholesterol levels, can show that their products do just that, there is limited evidence to show that statins reduce deaths from heart attack or stroke, although there is a clear correlation between high cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.

The link between fatty foods and increased cholesterol levels is not as clear-cut as you might hope and is linked to a largely flawed study from the 1950s, so be careful of believing everything you read, even if some might take it as gospel. The body does not directly absorb fats into the bloodstream in any case, they are first metabolised (look up lipid metabolism and triglycerides for more information) so it is incorrect to always assume a direct correlation with what you eat.

Also, be sure that the scale or levels you are reviewing are the same and accurately calibrated since laboratories the world over can vary wildly. In the field of oncology (cancer), I know of patients who have had tests done in one lab that reports everything is fine - they are still in remission - whereas an analysis from the same sample tested at a different lab can indicate a relapse into progression. Cholesterol measurement scales are different across Europe, the US and Asia and not all labs use the same methods of testing or accurately validate their results, so beware of one-off results or clinics you can't verify.

Cholesterol metabolism is largely a factor of genetics rather than diet and provided you exercise, don't smoke, don't take long-term oral contraceptives or HRT(!), consume plenty of anti-oxidants (catechins - found in green tea and other green veggies) and generally look after yourself, you should be fine.

If your direct family members had problems with cardiovascular disease, chances are you will be at higher risk than someone whose parents didn't. It's the same with ginger hair or blue eyes. One of the most under-played factors, however, is stress since this chronic (i.e. long-term) state of mind releases adrenalin and cortisol that both lead to the build-up of cholesterol. So, the best advice is not to stress about it, live your relaxing life as well as you can and just check into your levels from time-to-time instead of letting the levels rule you.

[Kingburn]

To all who are afraid of high cholesterol level, forget this old nonsense ...

The most important first, one that tells you how to stay healthy:
Avoid foods that create inflammation in the blood vessels, and recovery of many cardiovascular diseases.

http://preventdisease.com/news/12/03011 ... ease.shtml

February 5 was published a new study showing that the established Council to replace saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat is not good at all. It causes increased mortality from all causes also cardiovascular disease!
Eat butter, palm and coconut oil with good conscience and steer far away poison that soy, canola, sunflower oils.

Some links worth looking at.



http://www.bmj.com/content/346/bmj.e8707

http://chriskresser.com/specialreports/heartdisease

http://gaia-health.com/gaia-blog/2012-1 ... ase-video/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2006/jul ... odanddrink

Sorry, my english is not the best...

[MrPlum]

http://gaia-health.com/gaia-blog/2012-1 ... ase-video/

Sorry, my english is not the best...

No matter. Your links are useful. As are the other posts. Nice to see so many challenging the high cholesterol myth.

I noted the comment of the researcher in the GAIA video. Also posted here... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15006277

'...low cholesterol was significantly associated with all-cause mortality, showing significant associations with death through cancer, liver diseases, and mental diseases.'

Starve the brain of a vital nutrient and you are causing a 'chemical imbalance of the brain'. Aren't you?

[donald65]

Harmful blood cholesterol levels can increase your risk of strokes, heart attacks and other problems. Acai berry is one of the natural product that helps in decreasing cholesterol levels normally. Running and swimming also help to deduce it.

[JimmyGreaves]

Bloody hell. What to believe, go to work on an egg, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Never under any circumstances take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

I am dying with the help of too many physicians!

[Takiap]

For me, the choice is easy........I would much rather live for 50, 60, or 70 years, than survive for 100 years.

Of course I know exactly what you mean, and I'm inclined to agree, but it's not really up to you, is it? And I can't help thinking that it's the sort of comment thrown out by someone in fairly good health with a reasonable prospect of at least 20-30 years ahead of them.
I certainly hope that's the case, Takiap!

Sorry to say so DM, but there is absolutely no way this body of mine is going to last another 20 years. Hell, I'll be lucky if it lasts another 10.


My earlier comment simply reflected my attitude towards things like cholesterol levels and etc.

I've been hearing some variation of that all my adult life as a defensive response from people after they realized just how dedicated I was to what most consider a healthy diet. What they don't understand is the better one cares for one's body the longer it stays in good condition.

Yes I agree, but how many people live healthy lives, and they still die from one or other disease before they get to a ripe old age. It's a gamble I'm not willing to take. At least with my recipe, I know I'll never get to the age where you start losing your mind, or having to wear adult diapers.

[sandemb]

Sad isn't it? Doc says give up drinking, smoking and moderate your life - you will extend your life span. Boring it may be, but who wants to be a 100 year old bore??? Guess I'll make the most of what I've got! Incidentally at age 64, I think there are a few thousand liters of beer left with my name on it!!