However, one doctor is casting doubt on whether cholesterol levels have any effect on heart health at all. Dr Jonny Bowden has written a book entitled ‘The Great Cholesterol Myth’ in which he claims that cholesterol levels cannot predict heart disease and that it is, in fact, only a minor factor in developing cardiovascular disease. He points to other contributory factors such as oxidative damage, inflammation, stress and sugar that play much more important roles in the development of heart disease.
There are two main types of cholesterol, both of which have different effects on the body. “Good” cholesterol is known as HDL, high-density lipoprotein, which can protect against heart attacks. “Bad” cholesterol is LDL, low-density lipoprotein, too much of which can thicken in the arteries and potentially lead to heart disease.
In his book, Dr Bowden says the focus on lowering cholesterol through the prescribing of statins is now a bigger problem than the cholesterol itself. His point is that many people are being prescribed statins from which they get no benefit. Women in particular, he says, should not be given statins because there is no evidence the statins do anything to reduce their risk of heart attacks.
Dr Bowden’s book also questions why statins are now being prescribed for children, arguing that cholesterol is essential in childhood development. He also points to the fact that statins come with known side effects to which children should not be unnecessarily exposed.
His advice to those who want to lower cholesterol levels is to eat foods have are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, such as omega 3 products, blueberries and peppers along with curcumin, the main property of the spice cumin that is present in turmeric.
Seek guidance from a GP if any questions.