Is Cholesterol Really the Enemy? The Truth About Heart Health After 45
- Tara Peterson
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
At Thrive Functional Health, we believe in getting to the root cause, not just masking symptoms or following outdated health advice. One topic that continues to confuse and concern many of our clients over the age of 45 is cholesterol. You've probably heard that "high cholesterol causes heart disease" and that you should avoid eggs, butter, and saturated fats. But what if we told you… That’s not the whole story?
It’s time to set the record straight.
Cholesterol: Not the Villain You’ve Been Told
Let’s start with a bold but evidence-based statement:
Cholesterol is NOT a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Yes, you read that right. Elevated serum cholesterol is not a direct cause of heart attacks or strokes. In fact, cholesterol is essential for many of your body’s most vital functions:
Brain health: Over 25% of your body’s cholesterol is found in the brain. It's critical for memory, mood, and cognitive function.
Hormone production: Cholesterol is the raw material for all your steroid hormones, like cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.
Cell membrane integrity: Every single cell in your body relies on cholesterol for structure and function.
Vitamin D synthesis: Your skin uses cholesterol to produce this key nutrient, which influences everything from immunity to mood to bone strength.
So why the confusion?
A Historical Detour: The Cholesterol Myth
Back in the 1960s, a cholesterol level of 300 mg/dL wasn’t even considered high. But by the 1970s, Time Magazine published an article warning the public against eating cholesterol-rich foods, blaming them for heart disease. Behind the scenes? Major food industry players like Archer Daniels Midland were pushing margarine and soybean oil—cheaper, processed alternatives to natural fats like butter and eggs.
This campaign convinced a generation to fear cholesterol and embrace inflammatory vegetable oils. The result? A spike in metabolic diseases, not a reduction in heart attacks.
What Really Matters? Cholesterol Ratios, Not Total Numbers
Here’s the truth: it's not about how high your cholesterol is, but about the balance of fats in your blood. The triglyceride-to-HDL ratio is one of the most predictive markers for heart disease.
✅ You want high HDL ("good" cholesterol)✅ You want low triglycerides
Research—even from the American Medical Association—has shown no link between eating eggs and heart disease. Meanwhile, vegetable oils like canola, soybean, safflower, and corn oil increase LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and lower HDL, while also causing oxidative damage to blood vessels.
Statin Drugs: A Partial Fix with Side Effects
Statins aim to lower cholesterol levels, but don’t address why your cholesterol is high in the first place. They also come with risks: liver damage, muscle pain, and an increased risk of diabetes.
High cholesterol isn’t the problem—it’s a symptom of metabolic imbalance.
So What Does Cause Heart Attacks and Strokes?
High triglycerides
Low HDL cholesterol
A diet deficient in saturated fats and cholesterol
Excess sugar intake
Use of inflammatory vegetable oils
Shocking to some: Sugar, not fat, is what raises your triglycerides. And polyunsaturated oils—the ones you were told are heart-healthy—may be making things worse.
5 Natural Ways to Improve Your Heart Health Starting Today
Increase Omega-3s: Wild-caught fish like salmon, chia seeds, and flaxseed are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s. A high-quality supplement can help too.
Balance Blood Sugar: Avoid spikes by eating balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Ditch the sugar and refined carbs.
Exercise Daily Movement boosts HDL, lowers triglycerides, and supports metabolic function. Aim for 30 minutes of walking, strength training, or aerobic exercise.
Choose Healthy Fats: Cook with olive oil, butter, coconut oil, and avoid industrial seed oils. Don’t fear foods like eggs and avocado.
Get Labs That Look at Ratios, Not Just Totals Request tests that measure triglycerides, HDL, LDL particle size, and inflammation—not just total cholesterol.
Take Control of Your Heart Health—The Natural Way
At Thrive Functional Health, we help you get to the real root of your health issues. If you're tired of outdated advice, fearful of medications, and ready for personalized, functional care—we’re here for you.
Schedule your Free Health Consultation today and let’s talk about your heart, your hormones, and your health goals.
This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
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