The Myth of Bad Cholesterol: Cholesterol, LDL and Mortality

Have you ever wondered why we are told that HDL cholesterol is “good” and LDL cholesterol is “bad” and to get rid of it you need a cholesterol-lowering drug (e.g. a statin drug, such as Lipitor)? In my 25 years of work as an enzyme therapist I have observed that thus sickest people have the lowest cholesterol. This is especially true of LDL cholesterol whether they are too sick to make it or are taking an anti-cholesterol drug. Why? It is the LDL cholesterol that is converted into pregnenolone, the major anti-aging steroid, which is then partly converted into progesterone and DHEA. That’s why I rejoice when I see a person with a cholesterol of 200 or above. Because I know that, given enzymes, a prothyroid diet and hormonal balancing with thyroid glandular, progesterone and pregnenolone, they will be able to nourish their thyroid gland and help convert their LDL cholesterol into pregnenolone.
“Cholesterol itself is one of life's basic defense systems, essential for all functions, and when thyroid is low, increasing cholesterol partly compensates, by maintaining progesterone production, regulating nerves and cell division and cell communication and motility, etc. Higher thyroid increases the rate of cholesterol turnover, keeping oxidized cholesterol from accumulating, despite the interference of PUFA (omega-3 and -6 oils). In old people, mortality was minimal when cholesterol was at 270, but in higher thyroid people the optimal cholesterol would probably have been lower. A Framingham study found that people over 50 were more likely to be demented if their cholesterol was below 200; if it was that low because of high thyroid function, I don't think it would be a problem.” (Dr. Ray Peat, www.RayPeat.com )
Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Asscn. (AHA), reported in Feb. 2006, that since statins were introduced to lower cholesterol, there has been a doubling (100%) increase in heart failure. Furthermore, a late study reveals that higher LDL (the so-called "bad" cholesterol), is "associated with decreasing mortality risk in older women." And for both older sexes, "fatal heart failure decreases with higher LDL levels." (Jnl. of the American Geriatric Society, Dec. 2005).
The idea that too much animal fat and high cholesterol are dangerous to your heart and vessels is a myth. Here are some facts that may (or may not) surprise you. You can find them in The Cholesterol Myths by Dr. Uffe Ravnskov, M.D., Ph.D. and other books on the cholesterol hoax. Take a look at Dr. Ravnskov's credentials, http://www.ravnskov.nu/uffe.htm and the reviews of his book, http://www.ravnskov.nu/cholesterol.htm#reviews#reviews .
In his book, The Cholesterol Myths, Dr. Uffe Ravnskov disproves the nine main myths of the Lipid Hypothesis:
· High-fat foods cause heart disease
· High cholesterol causes heart disease
· High fat foods raise blood cholesterol
· Cholesterol blocks arteries
· Animal studies prove the diet-heart idea
· Lowering your cholesterol will lengthen your life
· Polyunsaturated oils are good for you
· The cholesterol campaign is based on good science
· All scientists support the diet-heart idea.
Articles from www.litalee.com : Cardiovascular Health And Cholesterol Fairy Tales; Hypothyroidism; Pregnenolone - A Fruit Of Cholesterol; Progesterone Anti -Tumor Properties
Also see www.RayPeat.com