Statins and cholestrol

19/07/2010

Re the article on the front page of the June 2010 issue of the Mature Times on the problems associated with statins which made for very interesting reading.

 

Up to early this year I like most other people believed lowering your cholesterol was desirable to reduce your exposure to heart problems. Then from my local library I borrowed and read a book called “the Great Cholesterol Con” by Dr Malcolm Kendrick which has left me some what confused. For me to précis the book is not easy so I will list a few points from it.

 

Lowering cholesterol intake in your diet makes no difference as the liver just produces more to keep the level the same. Two percent (2%) of the brains weight is cholesterol which it needs for the synapses to function and hence the memory. There are examples listed where people on statins could not even remember where they had left their dinner.  Therefore if you reduce the cholesterol too far it screws up your memory.

 

The Japanese increased their saturated fat intake by 20% and reduced brain haemorrhages by 600 %.. The only way to lower cholesterol is by statins which also blocks the production of Q10 which muscles need for energy so you end up weak and exposed to muscles degradation and pain.

 

Research has indicated that for the over 55 group higher cholesterol equates to living longer.

 

The book lists all the references for its information which you can  look up and make up your own mind. Also go onto the internet and search for “cholesterol myth” and there are many articles on the subject all backed up by the research data. There are articles saying the whole thing is a scam by the drug companies to sell their statin drugs.

 

So where does leave me, a retired engineer with no heart problems and little medical knowledge? I am careful not to overeat and become obese and exercise regularly. I am having a wonderful time drinking whole milk, another steak on the barbie, real butter on my toast, bacon sandwiches, and pancakes with maple syrup lemon and sugar, Bliss!

 

The books conclusion for heart problems is STRESS which changes the bodies metabolism in a bad way.

 

Do your own research and decide for yourself.

 

L. Ashdown ( by email)