Cholesterol is a crucial substance that your body needs to function properly. It’s found in every cell in your body, and it’s involved in the production of hormones, vitamin D, and digestive fluids.

However, too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Over the years, there have been many myths and misconceptions about cholesterol, which have led to confusion about what’s healthy and what’s not. Here are the top four cholesterol myths that need debunking.

Myth #1: All Cholesterol is Bad

Cholesterol is often portrayed as a villain that needs to be avoided at all costs. However, this isn’t entirely true. There are two types of cholesterol: HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol).

HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries and transport it to your liver, where it can be eliminated. This can lower your risk of developing heart disease.

LDL cholesterol, on the other hand, contributes to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease.

So, while it’s true that LDL cholesterol is bad for your health, HDL cholesterol is actually beneficial.

Myth #2: Cholesterol in Food is the Main Cause of High Cholesterol

A diet high in saturated fat can raise your LDL cholesterol levels, but dietary cholesterol (the cholesterol found in food) has less of an impact on your blood cholesterol levels.

In fact, your liver produces cholesterol on its own, regardless of your diet.

Studies have shown that consuming cholesterol-rich foods, such as eggs, has little effect on blood cholesterol levels in most people.

However, those with familial hypercholesterolemia (an inherited condition that causes high cholesterol levels) should limit their intake of cholesterol-rich foods.

Myth #3: Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs are Always Necessary

Cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, can be an effective way to reduce the risk of heart disease for some people. However, they’re not always necessary or appropriate.

For people at low risk of heart disease, lifestyle changes (such as a healthy diet and regular exercise) may be enough to lower cholesterol levels.

In addition, some people may experience side effects from cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as muscle pain or liver damage.

Myth #4: High Cholesterol Levels are Always Dangerous

While high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease, there’s more to the story than just your cholesterol numbers.

Other factors, such as your blood pressure, smoking status, and family history of heart disease, can also play a role in your overall risk.

For some people, high cholesterol levels may not be dangerous at all. For example, athletes and other highly active individuals may have high cholesterol levels but be at low risk of heart disease due to their healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Cholesterol is an essential substance that your body needs to function properly. While too much LDL cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease, HDL cholesterol is actually beneficial.

Dietary cholesterol has less of an impact on your cholesterol levels than saturated fat, and cholesterol-lowering drugs aren’t always necessary. Finally, high cholesterol levels may not always be dangerous, and other factors can play a role in your overall risk of heart disease.