The Importance of Cholesterol
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.
And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
– Dalai Lama

For years, cholesterol has been portrayed as the enemy. We’ve been told to lower it at all costs, usually with medication. But is this narrative accurate—or is it time to take a deeper look?

The Statin Industry

Statin drugs, commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol, are a billion-dollar business. They are the pharmaceutical industry’s biggest money-maker—and it’s no surprise they don’t want that to change.

The medical industry and its drugs are linked to over 100,000 deaths per year in the United States. While official reports (like this PubMed Central article) say these are annual figures, many sources argue the real numbers are much higher.

Sadly, South Africa doesn’t have comparable statistics, but as the saying in economics goes:
“When America sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold.”

Can you imagine if airplane crashes killed 100,000 people per year? No one would fly. Yet these figures in healthcare barely raise alarm.

Start by Reducing Toxins

Begin by reducing the chemical load on your body. Check your daily products—deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen—and read the labels. Many contain harmful chemicals that bioaccumulate in your body, damaging your liver and overall health. Keeping your liver strong is essential, as it plays a key role in cholesterol production and detoxification.

What Is Cholesterol, Really?

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in every cell of your body. It is essential for producing hormones, vitamin D, and other vital functions.

Around 75% of your cholesterol is made by your liver; only 25% comes from the food you eat. It is especially concentrated in the brain—about a quarter of your total cholesterol lives there.

There are two main types:

• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – often labeled the “good” cholesterol

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – often mislabeled the “bad” cholesterol

But both types are necessary. Your body wouldn’t produce something that was harmful by design.

A New Perspective on Cholesterol

Multiple studies now show an inverse relationship between cholesterol levels and mortality. In other words, people with lower cholesterol levels are more likely to die sooner. Higher cholesterol is actually associated with longer life spans.

Despite this, many health professionals still prescribe statins and promote outdated guidelines. The side effects of these medications can be severe and long-lasting—ranging from muscle pain and liver damage to cognitive decline.

It’s time to question the mainstream narrative and consider a more holistic view.

What Are “Normal” Levels?

For reference, many health organizations suggest:

• Total cholesterol: less than 5 mmol/L

• LDL cholesterol: less than 3 mmol/L

• HDL cholesterol: more than 1.2 mmol/L (women) or 1.0 mmol/L (men)

• Fasting triglycerides: less than 1.7 mmol/L

But even these numbers are debated. Context, lifestyle, and overall health matter more than isolated lab values.

Final Thought

Lipoproteins—what carry cholesterol and triglycerides through the blood—are like taxis, transporting vital substances to where they’re needed. Without them, your body cannot function properly.

So instead of fearing cholesterol, we should respect its role and work to understand the full picture.