Myth 1: All Cholesterol is Bad
One of the most prevalent myths about cholesterol is that all forms of it are bad for our health. In reality, cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance that is actually essential for the functioning of our bodies. It plays a vital role in the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that aid in digestion. The key distinction to be made is between LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol, often known as “good” cholesterol. While high levels of LDL cholesterol can contribute to the development of heart disease, HDL cholesterol helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease. It’s important to understand that not all cholesterol is created equal, and demonizing it entirely is an oversimplification of its role in our bodies.