The Cholesterol Myths

Because the human body is so amazingly complex, good doctors always recommend a second opinion when faced with difficult medical conditions. Good nutritionists should do the same. Modern science continues to reveal new information about how nutrients are processed on the molecular and atomic levels. There are many competing theories about how to eat a healthy diet to ingest the proper nutrients and get the maximum benefit from them. A second opinion is almost always a good idea.

Uffe Ravnskov has written a book challenging the conventional wisdom on cholesterol. He is eminently qualified to tackle this topic. After practicing medicine across a wide range of disciplines for several years, he worked in private practice as family doctor, and then became a research specialist. He has published 40 papers in well known peer reviewed medical journals about the alleged association between cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

Here are a few of the interesting statements Ravnskov presents as well established scientifically verified facts:

• Your body produces three to four times more cholesterol than you eat. • This production increases when you eat only small amounts of cholesterol and decreases when you eat large amounts. • A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol cannot lower your cholesterol more than a small percentage. • The only way to lower cholesterol is with drugs that are dangerous to your health and may shorten your life. • Cholesterol lowering drugs stimulate cancer in rodents. • People whose blood cholesterol is low develop just as many plaques in their blood vessels as people whose cholesterol is high. • More than thirty studies of more than 150,000 individuals show that people who have had a heart attack haven’t eaten more saturated fat than other people. • These facts have been presented in scientific journals and books for decades. • The campaign against cholesterol or the “diet-heart idea” creates immense prosperity for researchers, doctors, drug producers, and the food industry.

Ravnskov presents study after study, exposing the hidden agendas and misinterpretations, and explaining the real implications. The scientific data is extensive and his analysis is comprehensive. Despite the technical and controversial nature of his topic, he attempts as much as possible to speak in plain language for the layman as well as the health professional. The introduction states, “This book is about an idea—the false idea—that a high level of cholesterol in the blood is the main cause of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.” Each chapter debunks a particular myth about cholesterol.

Ravnskov explains in detail that high fat foods do not cause heart disease and neither does high cholesterol. In fact, he shows that there is no conclusive evidence cholesterol blocks arteries or causes the hardening of them. Scientists and researchers have certainly abused the distinction between cause and mere correlation when it comes to cholesterol. Ravnskov goes on to explain the problems with studies that try to compare humans and animals and studies that attempt to correlate cholesterol consumption and longevity. His final chapters challenge the broader notions that the diet-heart idea is based on good science and explain that there are many reputable scientists don’t support the diet-heart idea and are unfairly marginalized for their views. One unique and fascinating chapter that should not be missed challenges the myth that polyunsaturated fats are good for you.

Ravnskov’s presentation is so meticulous and exhaustive because he is fully aware of how controversial his ideas are and the overwhelming tide of opinion that he is swimming against. However, there are experts on his side. The foreword is written by Michael Gurr, a world renowned lipid chemist who has taught at Oxford. His second opinion is worth considering: “Many with establishment views will regard Dr. Ravnskov as a crank. That would be mistake. He has done his homework, he is not a lone voice in the wilderness and he deserves to be taken seriously. Above all, this book will make us all think more deeply about the true role of diet in heart disease and about the quality of information we receive.”

The Cholesterol Myths: Exposing the Fallacy That Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease by Uffe Ravnskov. Visit his website for the full text of the book.