Cholesterol Myth?

• Dr. Uffe Ravnskov is the author of "Cholesterol Myths" and is one of just a few doctors who believe that those with high cholesterol live the longest. Dr. Ravnskov cites a 1994 study conducted by Dr. Harlan Krumholz of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Yale University. The study reportedly found that old people with low cholesterol died twice as often from a heart attack as did old people with high cholesterol. Dr. Ravnskov, despite reports from reputable sources stating otherwise, says most studies of old people show that high cholesterol is not a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
  
  

Function

• Triglycerides have several purposes, the most important being their ability to travel through the human circulatory system and either be utilized immediately or stored, thus acting as the most abundant form of stored energy in the body. In addition to serving as an energy source, triglycerides also carry fat-soluble vitamins, provide thermal insulation and contribute to the structure of membranes.
  
  

Types

• There are three types of triglycerides: Saturated triglycerides contain fatty acids that have no double bonds, unsaturated triglycerides contain fatty acids that have one double bond, and polyunsaturated triglycerides contain fatty acids that have multiple double bonds. The term "double bond" refers to the chemical property of the triglycerides, and it basically determines whether or not a fatty acid is saturated or unsaturated. An example of food that contains saturated fat would be ground beef, while an example of a food containing unsaturated fat would be fish.
  
  

Benefits

• According to Dr. Ravnskov, a benefit of high triglycerides is protection against infection. Also, according to the doctor, those who have low cholesterol are twice as likely to test positive for HIV compared with those that have high cholesterol.
  
  

Warning

• Despite Ravnskov's claims, high cholesterol must be monitored, as it's been linked to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program, normal levels of triglycerides are less than 150 mg/dL. 150-199 mg/dL is borderline high, while anything ranging from 200-500 is characterized as high or very high and thought to be dangerous.
  
  

• Change made. Thanks! Joe