For the last several decades we have been taught that fats are bad for you. We eat fat-reduced foods to avoid high cholesterols; gaining weight; excess calories; and to reduce weight. But are we doing the right thing?

We are told that the fat in meats is high in “bad cholesterols”.

In addition; Colin Campbell claimed in his The China Study , that cancer was due to casein, an enzyme found in dairy and meat. Yet, there was actually little statistical significance to support the claim, ie., 5%. Further study revealed that sugar, soluble carbohydrates and fibers all have higher correlations with cancer than dairy and meat, ie., 7% times higher. So what to believe?

Dr. Mercola points to a new analysis that combined the results of 21 prior studies with a new study and found no clear evidence that an increased intake of saturated fats leads to an increased risk of heart disease or stroke. So who to believe?

Dr. Lundell, claims that the reason for the negative focus on meats, and other foods thought to increase cholesterol, was due to the “Cholesterol Lie”. Recently, a comparative analysis was done of over 2300 patients and umpteen studies of cholesterol and failed to find one that implicated cholesterol in heart disease. As Dr. Lundell, and many others now claim, inflammation is the cause of heart disease NOT cholesterol.

So let’s go back to square one. What do we need fats or lipids for in the body. What is cholesterol for and where does it come from? First, over 80% of your cholesterol is made in your own liver. Why because the body needs it!!

Cholesterol is required to:

• make bile (which breaks down fats in the intestines);
• to make the membrane of every cell in the body;
• for structure and insulation in the brain;
• to make steroid hormones (required to develop sexual characteristics and to reproduce);
• to carry fat based vitamins in the body (eg., vitamins A,D,E & K);
• fats also provide the essential fatty acids;
• fats regulate leptin which controls our appetite;
• the brain feeds off of fats rather than glucose like the rest of the body;
• healthy hair and skin depends on fats;
• fat lowers insulin;
• and fat burns fat!!!

 So what fats should we eat? And why?

• Organic unpasteurized butter & cream: contains enzymes and CLA
• Olives: preferably virgin, i.e., without the salted brines; high in anti-oxidants
• Natural peanut butter: monosaturated fat; minerals and fiber
• Organic flaxseed; hemp seed or salba: omega 3s, anti-oxidant ligans;
• Organic virgin olive oil: again no salty brine; hormone regulating monounsaturated fat; high anti-oxidants (both anti microbial and anti oxidant)
• Raw nuts, cold pressed nut oils; natural organic nut butters (not peanut butter): almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, macadamias all have good healthy fats, plus proteins, fiber, vitamin E, monounsaturated fat, minerals
• Wild salmon, fatty fish: protein; omega 3 fatty acids; anti-oxidants; carotenoids
• Organic extra virgin coconut oil: medium chain fats – these are the ones that burn fat and provide energy; stroke the internal fat burning furnace; antimicrobial
• Pharmaceutical grade fish oil: concentrated omega 3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA); thus hugely anti-inflammatory
• Neptune Krill Oil: concentrated omega 3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA) (long chain omegas are more bioavailable than vegetarian sources); also anti-oxidants (astaxanthin and canthaxanthin) (higher in absorbance capacity than lycopene, vitamin E, CoQ10, lutein, & Vitamin A)

 Sources:

 Posted by: Dr. Mercola:  February 25 2010

 Reuters February 4, 2010 : American Journal of Clinical Nutrition January 13, 2010

Dr Lundell:  articles and books

• http://omega3book.com/new-book-the-great-cholesterol-lie-unravels-cholesterol-theory-of-heart-disease/
• http://thecholesterollie.com/aff/
• http://www.connectingfromhome.com/team/article/saturated-fat-and-heart-disease-some-of-you-may-not-believe-what-your-about-to-read

Interviews

• Dr. Lundell Holds Nothing Back In These Interviews! :
  
  One Hour Interview With Surgeon Turned Health Activist, Dr. Christine Horner
  
  One Hour Interview with Jeff Caldwell, Founder, Conscious Choices
  
  One Hour Interview With Nutritionist, Dr. Jonny Bowden

Dr Jonny Bowden:  http://www.jonnybowden.com/search.php?q=cholesterol&sitesearch=jonnybowden.com

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