What is Cholesterol?

TL;DR: What is cholesterol? It is vital for life: a key part of the membrane around every cell, and the raw material your body uses to make bile acids, steroid hormones and vitamin D. Your brain holds about 25% of your body's cholesterol despite being only 2% of body weight, and a 2008 study linked higher cholesterol in older adults with better memory function.

There is a good chance everything you know about Cholesterol is wrong. 

So here are some fact that you should know!

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is vital for life.

It is a key component of the membranes surrounding every cell and serves as the raw material for the body to produce bile acids, steroid hormones, and Vitamin D.

Cholesterol & Your Brain

Cholesterol is crucial for your brain health, so much so that your brain has its own system for producing it.

Despite making up only 2% of the body’s weight, the brain holds about 25% of your body’s total cholesterol.

Cholesterol & Parkinson's Disease

A 2011 paper in Neurodegenerative Diseases noted that Parkinson's disease patients tend to have lower total and LDL cholesterol levels in their blood, while ferritin (iron) levels are elevated.

Cholesterol & Memory

A 2008 study in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry suggests in the elderly, higher total and LDL cholesterol levels are linked to better memory function.

And this study found improved memory function is linked to higher levels of total and LDL cholesterol in older adults.

Cholesterol & Dementia

Research published in Neurology in 2005 indicates higher total cholesterol levels in later life are linked to a decreased risk of developing dementia.

At total cholesterol levels exceeding 7.75 mmol/L, the risk of dementia was significantly reduced by up to 80%.

Cholesterol & Depression

Scientists writing in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology in 2007 found that elderly people with dementia or depression had significantly lower cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol & Mortality

According to a 2016 systematic review in BMJ Open, all-cause mortality is lower in seniors with higher LDL.

There is an inverse relationship between all-cause mortality and LDL cholesterol, observed in 92% of the participants.

Cholesterol & Ratios

A 2008 paper in Clinics shows that a high triglyceride-to-HDL ratio is linked to extensive coronary artery disease, whereas elevated LDL cholesterol was not associated with it.

Cholesterol & LDL-C

LDL cholesterol is not a cause of cardiovascular disease, regardless of its label as "bad" cholesterol, according to a 2018 review in Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. 

Can Fibre help lower Cholesterol?

Research published in Nutrición Hospitalaria suggests daily intake of at least 25 grams of dietary fibre may be beneficial for improving body weight, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol.

Can Sunflower Lecithin help with Cholesterol?

A 2024 review suggests there is evidence that people could consider sunflower lecithin for cholesterol. 

Conclusion

Cholesterol is often misunderstood, but it plays an essential role in overall health, from supporting brain function to influencing memory and reducing the risk of certain conditions like dementia.

Contrary to common belief, higher levels of cholesterol, especially in seniors, have been linked to better outcomes in studies on memory, mortality, and overall health.

It's time to rethink cholesterol's role and how it impacts our bodies.

Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

Always consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on your specific health needs and before making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle.

People often ask about lecithin here. Our honest answer is in sunflower lecithin benefits and side effects.

References

1. Ikeda K et al. Neurodegenerative Diseases. 2011. doi:10.1159/000323265
2. West R et al. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2008. doi:10.1097/JGP.0b013e3181812790
3. Mielke MM et al. Neurology. 2005. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000161870.78572.a5
4. Dimopoulos N et al. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology. 2007. doi:10.1177/0891988707301867
5. Ravnskov U et al. BMJ Open. 2016. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010401
6. Luz PL da et al. Clinics. 2008. doi:10.1590/s1807-59322008000400003
7. Ravnskov U et al. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. 2018. doi:10.1080/17512433.2018.1519391
8. Babio N et al. Nutrición Hospitalaria. 2010.