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
Does healthy eating have to be expensive?
Many people want to eat healthier, but shy away from it. Healthy eating often looks so much more expensive. That may be true, but it doesn't necessarily have to be.
The fatty tissue? This is for saving. It stores fat. This is what most people know about adipose tissue.
CCK and Bulimia – The Daily Bite of Knowledge
The hormone cholecystokinin (CCK for short) is involved in creating the feeling of satiety in the brain. It causes a meal to end when sufficient nutrients have been delivered.
What are proteins actually made of? And do we need them just to look like "The Hulk"? Read here what proteins can do!
If you think you still need to get a loincloth and a drumstick to eat the right Paleo diet, you better check out this article!
In 10 steps to becoming a food punk
More zest for life, vitality and health! Lose weight and feast at the same time! Supply the brain with energy! All this can be achieved with the right dietary changes.
Why don’t I lose weight despite low carb?
In this article we give the answers!
That’s how many vegetables the keto diet really contains!
Often you hear that in a ketogenic diet must be completely abandoned fruits and vegetables. Here is the proof to the contrary.
Who invented the ketogenic diet?
No, the ketogenic diet is not a newfangled phenomenon for losing weight. It is not a crash diet or a passing trend.
