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
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.
What is a refeed suitable for? – The daily bite of knowledge
A refeed is useful for all people who follow a very low-carbohydrate diet (under 30-50 g of carbohydrates per day) for a longer period of time and do this diet for more fitness, well-being and a weight loss.
Anti-inflammatory effect of a ketogenic diet
In several of our articles we talk about the anti-inflammatory effect of the keto diet, here you will learn how it comes to this effect.
What is the difference between Paleo, Low Carb and Keto?
Stop the confusion! Here you can read what's behind Paleo, Low Carb and Keto. What are the differences? What the similarities? Which diet is the right one?
5 Facts about Vitamin D – The Daily Bite of Knowledge
For what do we need the vitamin? What does this have to do with cholesterol? Learn more about it here!
What is actually xylitol? – The daily bite of knowledge
What can it be used for? Are there advantages? Find out here!
What are proteins actually made of? And do we need them just to look like "The Hulk"? Read here what proteins can do!
How do ketone bodies become energy?
Ketone bodies are produced in the liver and then enter the blood. They are small and well soluble in water. This allows them to be wonderfully transported throughout the body.
The best sources of fat – The daily bite of knowledge
Fat is a great source of energy. If you are on a low carbohydrate diet, you should by no means eat low fat. Because especially in a low carb diet, the body needs the energy from high-quality fatty acids. But not all fat is the same.
