Is Cholesterol Really the Bad Guy?
When you hear the word “cholesterol,” what comes to mind? For most people, it’s something to fear...a number to keep low, an enemy hiding in eggs and butter, something that leads to heart attacks. But… what if that whole story isn’t exactly true?
Let’s break this down, because I think it’s time we look at cholesterol in a whole new light.
Your Body Literally Needs Cholesterol
Here’s the thing. Your body makes its own cholesterol. In fact, your liver cranks out somewhere between 800 to 1,500 mg of cholesterol a day, all on its own. That’s a lot. So ask yourself: would your body produce something in such large amounts if it was toxic or dangerous?
Of course not. Your body is way smarter than that!
Cholesterol is essential for:
Building healthy cell membranes
Making hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol
Producing bile to help you digest fats
Creating vitamin D from sunlight exposure
Supporting your brain’s structure and function
Yep — your brain is actually one of the biggest cholesterol hoarders in your body. It holds about 20–25% of your total cholesterol. That’s because cholesterol is key to helping neurons (aka brain cells) communicate, fire signals, and protect themselves with something called a myelin sheath. Without enough cholesterol, your brain is basically running on empty.
Which makes you wonder...what happens when people go on cholesterol-lowering medications?
Some research is starting to raise red flags, connecting long-term statin use with potential issues like memory loss, mood changes, and even increased risk for dementia. It’s worth asking questions, especially when the body is trying so hard to make cholesterol every single day.
So Why Does Cholesterol Get Such a Bad Reputation?
The fear around cholesterol mostly comes from old theories that linked it directly to heart disease. But more recent research shows it’s not that simple. The truth is, heart disease is complex. Inflammation, stress, sugar intake, and oxidative damage are all major players.
Blaming cholesterol alone is kind of like blaming firefighters for being at the scene of a fire.. they’re not the cause, they’re there because something went wrong.
Your Body Knows What It’s Doing
When you eat more cholesterol from food, your liver makes less. When you eat less, it makes more. Your body regulates it pretty well on its own — unless something’s interfering, like a poor diet, chronic stress, lack of movement, or environmental toxins.
Instead of obsessing over your cholesterol number, I encourage you to focus on why it might be out of balance. Often, it’s your body trying to cope with something deeper.
Final Thoughts
It’s time we stop fearing cholesterol and start understanding it. It’s not the bad guy! It’s your body’s loyal ally, showing up every day to keep you functioning, thinking, moving, and healing.
You don’t need to fear cholesterol. You need to support your body in keeping it in balance. That’s a totally different mindset, and it opens the door to real, lasting health.
