For decades, cholesterol has been vilified as the main culprit behind heart disease. We’ve been told to fear butter, red meat, and eggs, and to believe that “good” cholesterol (HDL) saves us while “bad” cholesterol (LDL) kills us. But here’s the truth: cholesterol is one of the most vital molecules in your body, and there is no such thing as bad cholesterol.
What Cholesterol Really Is
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that every cell in your body needs. It is not a toxin, nor a foreign invader — it is life-giving. Without cholesterol, you would not survive. In fact, your body manufactures about 75% of the cholesterol you carry, because it knows you can’t live without it.
Key roles of cholesterol include:
- Hormone production: Cholesterol is the raw material for testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, and vitamin D.
- Brain health: Your brain is nearly 60% fat, and cholesterol is critical for memory and cognitive function.
- Cell membranes: Cholesterol provides stability and flexibility to every cell membrane in your body.
- Bile production: Cholesterol is needed to digest and absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
The Myth of “Good” and “Bad” Cholesterol
The image above highlights the flaw in our current understanding. The so-called “bad cholesterol” (LDL) and “good cholesterol” (HDL) both carry the same molecule of cholesterol. The structure doesn’t change. What differs is the lipoprotein carrier — the protein-and-fat package that transports cholesterol through your blood.
LDL and HDL are not cholesterol themselves. They are transport vehicles. Blaming LDL for heart disease is like blaming ambulances for car accidents just because they show up at the scene.
Cholesterol in Food Does Not Cause Heart Disease
For years, doctors claimed that eating cholesterol-rich foods like eggs and steak raised blood cholesterol and clogged arteries. But this has been debunked by countless studies:
- 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee declared dietary cholesterol is “not a nutrient of concern for overconsumption.”
- A Framingham Heart Study analysis found no correlation between dietary cholesterol and heart disease risk (source).
- Meta-analysis (Annals of Internal Medicine, 2010) concluded that saturated fat and cholesterol intake are not associated with heart disease (study).
When you eat more cholesterol, your liver simply produces less. Your body regulates it naturally.
Higher Cholesterol, Longer Life
Contrary to popular belief, higher cholesterol is often associated with greater longevity, especially in older adults:
- A BMJ study (2016) reviewed 68,000 elderly people and found that those with higher LDL lived longer than those with low LDL (study).
- Low cholesterol in the elderly is linked to increased risk of cancer, dementia, and even death from infections.
In other words, the obsession with lowering cholesterol through statins and low-fat diets may actually harm health instead of protecting it.
Cholesterol: The Carnivore Perspective
From a carnivore diet point of view, cholesterol is not the villain — it is the foundation of life. Meat, eggs, and animal fats provide bioavailable cholesterol and nutrients your body thrives on. Indigenous groups such as the Inuit, who consumed almost entirely animal-based diets rich in cholesterol, historically had virtually no heart disease until modern processed foods and seed oils entered their diet.
Conclusion: Stop Fearing Cholesterol
The message is clear: there is no such thing as bad cholesterol. LDL and HDL are simply transport systems for the same essential molecule. Cholesterol is vital for your hormones, your brain, your cells, and your very survival. People with higher cholesterol often live longer, healthier lives than those with artificially lowered levels.
Instead of fearing cholesterol, fear the real culprits: processed seed oils, refined sugars, and inflammatory ultra-processed foods. Embrace natural, animal-based nutrition, and let cholesterol do what it was designed to do — keep you alive.
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