Vitamins and Your Health: Cholesterol Misconceptions
Learn more about cholesterol and heart disease.
Many studies cannot correlate a diet high in cholesterol with an increase in blood cholesterol. Previous studies that were conducted on cholesterol are thought to be false. Eating a diet high in meat and fat does not necessarily indicate heart disease. For example, the Eskimos live on a diet rich in meat and fat. The Eskimos have low cholesterol levels.
Many populations that consume a high percentage of animal fats have less heart disease. Why? Animal fats are more resistant to oxidative damage. Although elevated cholesterol levels are associated with heart disease, cholesterol may not be the cause.
If cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease, what is? Many factors may contribute to cardiovascular disease. Heart disease can be associated with deficiencies in a few minerals (copper, zinc, magnesium). Toxicity in calcium can assist in hardening of the artery walls. Increased homocysteine (amino acid found in vitamins B6 and folic acid) levels are a factor in heart disease. Deficiencies of vitamin C and the amino acid lysine cause decreased collagen synthesis. Also, hypothyroidism is associated with heart disease.
Certain types of infections and inflammations are related to heart disease (dental infections). High blood pressure can lead to heart disease. Smoking, diabetes, obesity, caffeine, and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of heart disease. Finally, genetic factors play a part in heart disease.
Any oxidative damage from vegetable oils contributes to heart disease. Hydrogenated fats found in margarine, dressings, fried foods contribute to heart disease. Hydrogenation produces trans-fatty acids. These are non-naturally occurring fatty acids that contribute to inflammation, one of the causes of heart disease.
Kristy Haugen
