Cholesterol supports your health—the real issue stems from inflammation. Focus on eating whole foods, not relying solely on statins.
Every week, I’m asked the same question: Is high cholesterol truly a major contributor to poor heart health? Despite my ongoing efforts to share a more balanced and evidence-based perspective, the mainstream narrative remains largely unchanged.
Meanwhile, more people than ever are being diagnosed with “high cholesterol,” and an increasing number are being placed on long-term medications to manage it.
Often, this happens without having a full understanding of what cholesterol does in the body or what the true root cause of cardiovascular risk may be.
So let’s clear the smoke once again.
Let’s start here: Cholesterol is not the enemy. It’s essential to your survival.
Ongoing inflammation is the main cause of inflammation, rather than the other way round
Cholesterol is not the cause of inflammation, but a rescue squad, or an ambulance rushing in to put out the inflammation in your organs.
Your body uses cholesterol to:
- Build and maintain the cell membrane
- Produce hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol
- Synthesize vitamin D
- Aids in brain function and memory
- Support the healing and repair of damaged tissues
In many ways, cholesterol is the firefighter, not the arsonist.
It often rushes to the scene after inflammation has already begun.
It comes in to repair damage caused by poor lifestyle choices, especially those that spike insulin and lead to metabolic chaos.
So what’s setting the fire?
The True Culprits: Inflammation, Insulin Resistance & Processed Carbs
A diet high in refined sugars, processed carbohydrates, and industrial seed oils (such as soybean, canola, or corn oil) triggers internal inflammation.
Over time, this damages the arterial walls. When that happens, your body sends cholesterol as an emergency response to “patch things up.” To put out the fire.
This means high cholesterol is often a symptom, not a cause.
In other words, treating cholesterol without addressing the root cause of inflammation is like mopping up a flooded kitchen while the sink is still overflowing. You will die mopping the flooded floor.
It is just a defeatist attempt.
Rather, sort out the flooded sink, and the flooded floor will sort itself out.
The Medication Question: Are You Getting the Full Picture?
If you have been prescribed statins (the most common cholesterol-lowering drugs), you are not alone
But it’s important to ask: Are the benefits worth the trade-offs, especially if you haven’t had a heart attack or other cardiovascular event?
Research shows that the benefits of statins for primary prevention (i.e., preventing a first heart attack event) are far less clear than many believe. What is clear are the possible side effects, which may include:
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Headaches
- Digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, nausea)
- Weight gain, as it increases appetite
- Memory and cognitive problems
- Liver and kidney strain
Doctors often advise patients to adopt a low Cholesterol diet once they are on medication for Cholesterol
This often leads to requests to eliminate nutrient-dense foods like eggs, red meat, and natural fats, and an increase in the consumption of carbohydrates and other foods that contribute to insulin resistance and weight gain.
But Wait—Aren’t Eggs Bad for Cholesterol?
Not exactly.
Eggs are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Numerous studies have shown that for most people, eggs do not significantly raise LDL (bad) cholesterol, and in some cases, they raise HDL (good) cholesterol.
Oxidized fats from deep-fried foods and harmful seed oils are the problem, not natural fats.
If I Were in Your Shoes… Here’s What I’d Focus On
Rather than fear cholesterol, focus on what you can control:
✅ Reduce or eliminate the cause of the fire:
- Refined sugars and sweetened drinks
- White bread, pasta, and processed grains
- Seed oils and deep-fried foods
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
✅ Increase and embrace foods that cause less inflammation:
- Whole foods: colorful vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes
- Clean proteins: eggs, grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish
- Healthy fats: avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts
- Complex carbs like sweet potatoes, traditional grains (in moderation)
✅ And Don’t Forget:
- Regular movement and exercise (even walking counts)
- Quality sleep and stress management
- Asking questions. Seeking second opinions.
- To become your health advocate.
The Final Word: Cholesterol Isn’t the Problem—Chronic Inflammation Is
You can’t predict your heart health based on cholesterol alone. It is not an accurate predictor.
It’s just one of the markers in the full context of your metabolic health, lifestyle, and diet.
If you choose to follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan, do so confidently, but do it informed.
Ask the hard questions. Do the deep research. Consult more than one voice.
Because when it comes to your health, you deserve more than a prescription—you deserve a plan.
Remember: Don’t just treat the symptom—heal the root.
Don’t block the firefighter coming to put out the fires, but rather direct your energies at preventing fires from starting.
Your body is wise. Trust it. Nourish it. And let food, movement, and rest be your most powerful medicines.
Stay informed. Stay empowered. Stay well.
