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
Why don’t I lose weight despite low carb?
In this article we give the answers!
Why cheese is addictive – The daily bite of knowledge
Many people are ready to change their diet. They are willing to try new ways and give up certain foods. Except one. Very often I hear "Yes, but... not without my cheese!"
So much fruit you can eat in the keto diet
Here we have created a fruit table in which you can see exactly what amount of fruit contains what amount of carbohydrates.
Birch sugar (xylitol), erythritol and co – This is what I think of them
Here is a brief overview on the subject of xylitol, erythritol and other sweeteners.
Carbohydrates and fat – The daily bite of knowledge
Good or bad idea? Click in to find out the answer!
Ketosis and ketone bodies. These two terms are happily thrown around in the low carb and keto world. Can be measured somehow. But what is actually behind it?
The 4 best dietary supplements – The daily bite of knowledge
Which preparations can make sense? Kick yourself in!
Cheat Day vs. Refeed – The Daily Bite of Knowledge
In a so-called refeed, you specifically eat a higher amount of carbohydrates than usual at a meal. A healthy refeed should not be confused with a cheat day.
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.
