Normally, you always hear about high cholesterol in the media, usually in connection with the risk of coronary heart disease (*). However, hardly anyone talks about cholesterol levels being too low.
There is some evidence in the literature that low cholesterol levels can also have negative consequences. This mainly affects mood and memory.
Table of contents
In an American study, low cholesterol levels appear to be associated with nightmares. In addition, there are isolated reports that certain cholesterol-lowering drugs lead to more frequent nightmares.
Du möchtest dich auch gesünder ernähren?
Some studies have already shown a correlation between low cholesterol levels and depression. Women with very low cholesterol levels showed twice the risk of depression than women with normal to moderate levels in one study. Cholesterol-lowering drugs also appear to have a negative effect on mood, as has been found in older people. At the same time, relapse seems more likely in formerly depressed patients taking cholesterol-lowering drugs.
What’s exciting to note here is that many people who switch to a ketogenic (low-carb, high-fat) diet experience significantly improved mood – and that’s even if they were previously suffering from depression.
So from now on it’s: “An egg a day keeps the doctor away” 😉
Another study from the U.S. found a link between low total cholesterol and aggressiveness in children. Thus, children with very low levels were three times more likely to be expelled from school than those with cholesterol levels in the normal range.
Several studies give reason to believe that taking cholesterol-lowering drugs is associated with worsened memory. In some cases, complete memory loss was observed with statin treatment, which partially regressed after discontinuation of the drug.
Always stay up to date with our Newsletter.
This new section is intended to provide a brief look at topics in nutrition science.
(*) The topic of cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease offers material for a completely separate article.
Similar posts by Foodpunk
Fire up your fat burning with healthy, unprocessed foods that are long-lasting and effective. The low carb and ketogenic diets will help you do that.
All about ketogenic diet & 3 day plan to get started
Want to start a ketogenic diet? Then this article is a must for you.
Lauric acid – healthy fatty acid from the coconut
What actually is lauric acid. Is the hype around them justified? Everything about the occurrence and effect of the fatty acid can be found in this overview article.
5 tips for more fitness in winter
5 tips to help you avoid winter fatigue and feel really fit in the darker months of the year.
The fatty tissue? This is for saving. It stores fat. This is what most people know about adipose tissue.
Why do we need cholesterol? Is there good and bad cholesterol? How can I influence my cholesterol level?
Reader Question of the Month – Can children also eat xylitol?
Are children also allowed to eat xylitol? In this post you will learn the answer!
Gelatin vs. collagen – what is the difference?
Gelatin and collagen, both have something to do with connective tissue, but what again exactly? Kick yourself into our article and learn more.
What is actually xylitol? – The daily bite of knowledge
What can it be used for? Are there advantages? Find out here!
