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The Truth About Cholesterol: What You’re Not Being Told

For decades, cholesterol has been portrayed as the villain behind heart disease and stroke. People were told to keep their “numbers” down—especially LDL cholesterol—as the main way to protect their health. But emerging research is challenging this simplistic view. It turns out that cholesterol is not the enemy, and tracking numbers alone may be missing the real indicators of cardiovascular and neurological risk.

Let’s dive into the lesser-known truths about cholesterol, why it’s essential for your body, and what you should be measuring instead.


1. Cholesterol: Not Just a Number

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body makes naturally. In fact, about 75% of your cholesterol is produced by your liver—only 25% comes from food. Why? Because cholesterol is vital.

Your body uses cholesterol to:

  • Produce sex and stress hormones (like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol)

  • Build cell membranes

  • Create vitamin D from sunlight

  • Synthesize bile acids for digestion

  • Protect and support brain function

When cholesterol levels drop too low—often due to overly aggressive statin use or strict low-fat diets—these vital processes can suffer.


2. Low Cholesterol: The Hidden Health Risks

While high cholesterol has been targeted as dangerous, very low cholesterol levels (especially LDL and total cholesterol) have been linked to a range of serious health problems, including:

  • Hormonal imbalances (low libido, fatigue, fertility issues)

  • Cognitive decline and dementia

  • Depression and mood disorders

  • Poor immune function

  • Increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke

  • Reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

In short, cholesterol isn't just safe in the right context—it’s essential.


3. Cholesterol and Brain Health

Did you know that 25% of your body’s cholesterol is in your brain? Cholesterol is a key structural component of brain cells and is crucial for the formation of synapses (the connections between neurons). When cholesterol is too low, especially in older adults, it can contribute to:

  • Memory loss

  • Slowed cognitive processing

  • Higher risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions

This is why some researchers are now re-evaluating the role of statins in older adults and those with no history of cardiovascular disease.


4. When High Cholesterol Isn’t a Problem

Some people naturally have higher cholesterol levels due to genetics, diet, or other factors—but this does not automatically mean they’re unhealthy.

In fact, total cholesterol levels between 200–250 mg/dL have been shown to be protective in some populations, especially when paired with high HDL (“good cholesterol”) and low inflammation markers.

Putting these individuals on statins "just because of the numbers" can lead to:

  • Muscle pain and weakness

  • Liver dysfunction

  • Brain fog or memory issues

  • Hormone suppression

  • Nutrient deficiencies (especially CoQ10)

Statins may be warranted for people with a history of heart disease or very high risk, but for others, they may do more harm than good.


5. Better Ways to Measure Cardiovascular Risk

Rather than focusing solely on cholesterol numbers, here are more accurate and holistic indicators of cardiovascular and stroke risk:

Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio

  • A ratio under 2:1 is considered ideal.

  • High triglycerides and low HDL are stronger predictors of heart disease than LDL alone.

C-reactive protein (CRP)

  • A marker of systemic inflammation.

  • High CRP is linked to arterial plaque instability, a key driver of heart attacks.

Lp(a) – Lipoprotein(a)

  • A genetic marker that can independently increase heart disease risk.

  • Not commonly measured but highly relevant in “mystery” cardiac events.

Homocysteine

  • Elevated levels are linked to both stroke and heart disease.

  • Can often be lowered through B-vitamin supplementation.

Calcium Coronary Score

  • A CT scan that measures calcified plaque in the arteries.

  • Directly visualizes risk instead of guessing from blood markers.

Insulin resistance / Fasting insulin

  • Insulin resistance contributes to metabolic syndrome, which drives vascular inflammation and arterial damage.


6. A Diet Too Low in Cholesterol: What Can Go Wrong?

Modern low-fat diets often remove key foods rich in healthy cholesterol and fats. Over time, this can lead to:

  • Adrenal fatigue (due to lack of cortisol precursors)

  • Skin issues (cholesterol supports skin barrier function)

  • Nutrient deficiencies (especially vitamin D, zinc, and choline)

  • Weakened bile production, making it harder to digest fats

  • Infertility and irregular cycles (especially in women)

Whole foods like eggs, grass-fed butter, liver, shellfish, and full-fat dairy are traditional cholesterol-rich foods that supported fertility, growth, and brain health in ancestral diets.


7. Rethinking the Cholesterol Narrative

The old “cholesterol equals heart attack” model is breaking down. We now understand that inflammation, oxidative stress, blood sugar regulation, and genetic factors all play a much bigger role in heart disease and stroke than cholesterol alone.

Key takeaways:

  • Cholesterol is not inherently bad—it’s essential.

  • Low cholesterol can lead to brain decline, hormone disruption, and poor immunity.

  • Some people with high cholesterol are naturally healthy and don’t need statins.

  • Focus on inflammation, insulin resistance, and arterial plaque, not just LDL.

  • Diets too low in cholesterol can lead to long-term health problems.


Final Thoughts

If you're concerned about your heart or brain health, consider speaking with a provider who understands the nuances of cholesterol—not just the outdated "total cholesterol" number. Ask for deeper labs, understand your full risk profile, and remember: your body needs cholesterol to function at its best.


References

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  3. Ference, B. A., et al. (2017). Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. European Heart Journal, 38(32), 2459–2472. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehx144

    (Note: Used here to contrast conventional views.)

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  8. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Vitamin D - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/

  9. American Heart Association. (2023). Understanding inflammation and heart disease. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/inflammation-and-heart-disease

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  11. Pischon, T., et al. (2005). Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for subclinical atherosclerosis in women. Circulation, 111(5), 620–627. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.CIR.0000154560.94494.90

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  14. Weston A. Price Foundation. (n.d.). Cholesterol and Health. https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/modern-diseases/the-cholesterol-myth/

 
 
 

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