The cholesterol lie: the biggest health scam in history

Veröffentlicht am: October 28, 2024
Dr. med. Wolfgang  Bachmann
Dr. med. Wolfgang Bachmann

General practitioner

On June 24, 1956, the American Heart Association aired a TV show on three major television networks. This show claimed that heart disease was primarily caused by cholesterol.

This theory was not presented by a doctor (or similar scientist), but by a largely unknown economist named Ancel Keys. Keys called his theory the "fat hypothesis" - its core proposition was that meat, eggs and butter were basically harmful and should be replaced by vegetable oil, margarine, chicken and cereals. Two weeks after the program, the American Heart Association officially adopted this theory, and that same year Ancel Keys was featured on the cover of Time magazine as a health pioneer and hero.

Contents

The fat hypothesis with its bad cholesterol - just a hoax? 

There was just one problem: there was no scientific evidence for Keys' theory - but plenty of powerful supporters. Procter & Gamble, for example, quickly realized that they could make a lot of money with this theory by selling vegetable oils instead of animal fats.

Over the next forty years, the consumption of vegetable oil tripled - from less than 1.5 liters per person per year to over 10 liters. The same applied to margarine, the "cholesterol-free" substitute for butter. The very next year after the aforementioned program - 1957 - sales of margarine exceeded those of butter for the first time in history.

As I said, there was no scientific evidence for Keys' "fat hypothesis". But there was some evidence against it. For example, a clinical trial conducted by the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the renowned Yale University showed that people with low cholesterol levels had almost twice as many heart attacks as people with high cholesterol levels.

Another ten-year study, which appeared in the prestigious journal Lancet, showed that people with higher cholesterol had a generally lower risk of fatal diseases .

Between the mid-1970s and 2014, many more studies were published on this topic, but all of them were not mentioned in the mass media and ignored by the majority of doctors. To this day, prominent doctors are behind the cholesterol scam.

Even after a new study appeared in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine showing that cholesterol did not increase the incidence of heart disease, prominent nutritionist Alice H. Lichtenstein loudly defended the "fat lie". She told the New York Times that it would be "unfortunate if the results [of the study] were interpreted to mean that you could go back to eating butter and cheese in excess." She also cited "evidence" that low cholesterol reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Lichtenstein was instrumental in creating the American Heart Association's dietary guidelines, which recommend the lowest possible fat and cholesterol consumption. To this day, the American Heart Association maintains that a low-cholesterol diet is the best way to protect against heart disease.

The myth is perpetuated: With fat profits for the pharmaceutical industry

The big pharmaceutical companies did not stand idly by and watch as industrial agriculture made a huge profit from the fear of heart disease. That's why they began testing drugs such as Compactin and Lovastatin in the mid-1970s to lower cholesterol levels. They spent millions on commercials suggesting that these drugs were not only safe, but necessary. Some ads even went so far as to advise people to talk to their doctors about taking these drugs, known as statins, even when there were no symptoms of heart disease whatsoever.

The advertising measures were astonishingly effective: the first statin, which was available from 1987, generated sales of 200 million dollars. Its successor, atorvastatin (Lipitor), became the most successful drug in history with sales of 150 billion dollars. An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimates the combined sales potential of all statins at one trillion dollars by 2020.

So the big pharmaceutical companies have won over millions of educated Americans, including legislators - and so has the medical community. The Centerfor Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) took Ancel Keys' idea and started a kind of war on cholesterol. It was the CSPI, not doctors or scientists, that invented the term "bad" (because artery-clogging) cholesterol. This campaign was so successful that most doctors still consider the cholesterol test to be one of the best indicators of possible heart disease or heart attacks.

Statins actually make heart disease worse!

There is plenty of evidence for this, for example a study in the journal Atherosclerosis, according to which people who took statins showed increased plaque formation in their arteries - exactly what the drugs were supposed to prevent.

This scam costs the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans and Europeans every year. It is therefore quite likely that you or someone you know will also fall victim to it.

What is really behind the controversial cholesterol?

First of all, we have to say goodbye to common misconceptions. For many decades, the belief that cholesterol in food is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease has persisted. This assumption has led to government dietary guidelines limiting the intake of cholesterol for healthy adults to no more than 300 mg per day. However, recent research has called these restrictions into question. They are no longer included in the current American dietary guidelines.

Many factors have an influence on cholesterol levels:

  • our genetic material
  • Inactivity
  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Hypothyroidism etc.

However, poor dietary habits are the main cause of unhealthy high cholesterol levels (LDL). Unfortunately, the standard diet in the USA and the Western world is highly pro-inflammatory. In many cases, this contributes to an increase in LDL levels (bad cholesterol) and a decrease in HDL levels (good cholesterol). This is exactly the opposite of what we want to achieve.

And that is precisely the crucial point! We have to distinguish between good and bad cholesterol!

Distinguishing between good and bad cholesterol

Inflammation leads to an increase in bad cholesterol levels!

Cholesterol is a natural substance that is present in every human being and is crucial for our survival. Cholesterol is produced in the body by the liver. It is needed for healthy cell, nerve and hormone function. Cholesterol is present in the body as fatty acids (lipids) and is transported to all parts of the body by the blood circulation. These particles are not normally deposited on the arterial walls. However, the more inflammation there is in the body, the more low-density lipoproteins (LDL) - also known as "bad" cholesterol - are deposited in the arteries and form clumps there. This prevents blood circulation and lays the foundation for heart attacks or strokes.

Without inflammation, cholesterol itself would not be nearly as dangerous. Inflammation is the main cause of atherosclerosis, a disease in which the arteries harden and stiffen and are associated with deposits in the blood vessels, which in turn leads to further inflammation. Inflammation is the cause of most diseases. Heart disease is no exception.

It used to be assumed that a diet high in fat and cholesterol caused cholesterol levels to rise. Today we know that only some people cannot metabolize cholesterol properly, which can lead to an increase in LDL levels in the blood. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Korea, India and European countries have not restricted cholesterol intake in their dietary recommendations. And for good reason: there is convincing evidence that dietary cholesterol is not associated with an increased risk of heart disease in most cases. 

Apart from the small proportion of the population that is more sensitive to cholesterol in food, it is estimated that around three quarters of the population can remain completely healthy even if they consume more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day. In fact, the consumption of healthy fats leads to an increase in HDL levels, the "good" cholesterol, or the ratio between LDL and HDL. These are two key markers of our overall health.

Patients with an increased risk of heart disease may need to limit their intake of cholesterol and saturated fats. But for everyone else, they should focus more on limiting their consumption of highly processed convenience foods. Study data shows that the effects of limiting dietary cholesterol intake are small compared to other dietary and lifestyle adjustments.

Lower the LDL level

If you want to lower your cholesterol naturally, you can find a variety of nutrition guides and diet plans in any bookstore or online - all with the promise that you will also improve your heart health. One example of this is the three-step "Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes" (TLC) plan. It aims to lower cholesterol levels by sticking to a low-fat diet along with exercise and weight control. The originators of this diet report that LDL levels can be reduced by 20 to 30 percent. The American Heart Association recommends the so-called DASH diet, a low-sodium diet with only a small amount of saturated fat, which has been shown to lower blood pressure.

Which foods do you really have to give up and which can you continue to enjoy?

First of all, foods with trans fats and hydrogenated fats can actually increase cholesterol levels and should therefore be avoided. Many diets also exclude foods that contain saturated fatty acids. However, this is not always necessary for everyone, as long as they are high-quality natural foods, as explained above. Instead, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are recommended. These include foods with cholesterol-lowering properties (LDL levels) such as the highly beneficial avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds.

In addition to switching your fat intake to valuable omega-3 fatty acids, high cholesterol levels can be supplemented by consuming fiber-rich foods. All wholesome plant-based foods, i.e. fruit, vegetables, cereals and pulses, contain fiber. But be careful! Processed, refined foods with lots of sugar - including almost all breakfast cereals, baked goods, bread, rolls, pasta, cookies and cereal bars - contain little to no fiber.

A good source of protein is "lean" program. Healthy lean protein sources include free-range poultry (turkey, chicken), fish and seafood, beans and even eggs. Both approaches (DASH diet and TLC) also recommend low-fat dairy products including yogurt and low-fat cheeses. However, opinions differ on this. The average person can also easily incorporate pasture-raised animal foods into an otherwise balanced diet, including beef and lamb.

This diet has many similarities to the Mediterranean diet that doctors often recommend to patients with high cholesterol. People in the Mediterranean region eat mainly fresh food from their region and healthy omega-3 fatty acids from olives, olive oil or fish, rather than processed foods that contain refined vegetable oils, sugar, salt and artificial ingredients.

People in these southern countries are far less likely to develop heart disease than in the USA, for example, even though they consume a lot of fat. Thanks to the wide range of options offered by this diet, it is easy to follow and most people manage to change their diet permanently. And most importantly, the food tastes good!

The key to reducing the risk of heart disease

So the key to reducing the risk of heart disease, including high cholesterol (LDL), is to reduce inflammation.

Foods that promote inflammation are:

  • packaged food of any kind
  • Sugar
  • refined cereal products
  • Processed vegetable oils
  • Conventional dairy products (not organic, homogenized and pasteurized)
  • Animal products from conventional agriculture
  • High caffeine or alcohol consumption

As mentioned above, fiber, good fats and antioxidants are crucial for healthy, clear arteries. A higher fiber intake is associated with a significantly lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and lower LDL levels. Scientists have also identified a number of plant compounds that additionally lower cholesterol levels. These include plant sterols and stanols as well as isoflavones. Most industrially processed foods contain very little of these. Manufacturers of products that contain fiber and antioxidants usually use synthetic compounds that are added during processing.

Low quality animal food products have a strong pro-inflammatory effect - like toxic oils used in chemicals and solvents. Alcohol, sugar and caffeine are all stimulants that the liver uses to make more cholesterol, which also causes inflammatory reactions in the body. These substances are tolerable in small amounts (e.g. one or two cups of coffee or a glass of red wine a day). However, excessive amounts reverse the heart-promoting properties.

The 14 best anti-inflammatory foods with a cholesterol-lowering effect

  • Vegetables (especially green vegetables)
  • Nuts
  • Chia and linseed
  • Olive oil
  • Avocados
  • Salmon
  • gluten-free wholemeal
  • Green tea
  • Beans and pulses
  • Turmeric
  • Garlic
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Persimmon
  • Okra

1. vegetables (especially green vegetables)

There is no doubt that nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory vegetables are among the foods with the highest antioxidant content. They are full of phytochemicals that fight free radical damage, helping to slow down the ageing process. They also keep the arteries healthy and flexible. Many green vegetables such as spinach or kale are low in calories but protect against heart attacks by keeping our arteries free of cholesterol deposits.

In principle, almost every vegetable is beneficial for our health. Beets, onions, cabbage, broccoli and artichokes are particularly rich in fiber and beneficial for a healthy heart.

2. nuts

All types of nuts provide plenty of healthy, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats as well as a good portion of fiber. Certain types of nuts, including almonds, also contain antioxidant flavonoids. These plant compounds strengthen the health of our arteries and reduce inflammation.

Studies show that nuts contribute to a reduction in "bad" LDL levels, especially in people with high cholesterol or diabetes. Nuts help to prevent damage caused by increased deposits within the arterial walls and protect

from dangerous cholesterol deposits. They also support us in the fight against weight gain and obesity.

3. chia and linseed

The benefits of linseed are based on itshigh content of the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). They are also at the top of the list of foods containing lignans. Lignans contribute to a balanced hormone balance. Both chia and linseed have a high proportion of soluble and insoluble fibers. They are therefore ideal for detoxification, promote a healthy gut and help with weight loss.

The soluble fiber content traps fats and cholesterol in the digestive tract, preventing these substances from being absorbed. Bile is released into the digestive tract and the body is forced to produce even more of it. This uses up excess cholesterol in the blood and lowers overall cholesterol levels. Sprinkle a few seeds over your porridge, yogurt or add them to your baked goods or smoothies.

4th olive oil

Olive oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect and contains plenty of monounsaturated fatty acids, which lower LDL levels and benefit heart health. Use extra virgin olive oil in your salad dressings, sauces or for frying or preparing marinades.

5. avocados

Avocados are among the best sources of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids in the world and cause HDL levels to rise while LDL levels fall. Avocados also contain plenty of soluble fibre and stabilize blood sugar levels. They have anti-inflammatory phytochemicals such as beta-sitosterol, glutathione and lutein. Be creative. Avocados are not only suitable for making delicious guacamole, but also cut a fine figure in smoothies, salads, in combination with eggs or in desserts.

6. salmon

Salmon is not only one of the best sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats, but also contains numerous other nutrients that reduce the risk of heart disease, cognitive disorders, depression and many other diseases. Other excellent sources of omega-3 are fatty fish such as sardines, mackerel and herring. These fatty fish are among the best foods for lowering cholesterol levels. They increase "good" HDL levels and contribute to a healthy body weight and improved brain function.

7. gluten-free whole grains/ ancient grains

All whole grains contribute to our heart health as they are a good source of fiber. However, many people cannot tolerate gluten and react to it with inflammatory reactions. You should therefore switch to gluten-free grains such as quinoa, oatmeal, buckwheat and amaranth. These grains are generally easier to digest and can be used in the same way as wheat or wheat flour. They all contain plenty of nutrients. For example, oats provide a compound called beta-glucan, which absorbs cholesterol and promotes heart health.

8. green tea

Green tea is the drink that can slow down the ageing process. Not only does it provide plenty of cancer-fighting antioxidants, it also contributes to our heart health by preventing an increase in LDL levels. Epidemiological studies suggest that drinking green tea alleviates atherosclerosis, lowers the risk of heart disease and blood pressure, reduces inflammation associated with arthritis and also improves bone density and brain function.

9. beans and pulses

It is generally known that beans contain plenty of fiber, which inhibits the absorption of cholesterol. Beans also contain antioxidants and certain beneficial trace elements that promote healthy blood circulation. Try nutrient-rich black beans, chickpeas, mung beans and other beans or pulses in soups, salads and to make hummus.

10. turmeric

Turmeric is the queen of spices, especially with regard to its anti-inflammatory effect. Turmeric helps to lower cholesterol levels, prevents the formation of lumps, fights viruses, eliminates free radicals, strengthens the immune system, has a balancing effect on hormone levels, etc. Turmeric contains curcumin as an active ingredient, which is being researched for its protective effect with regard to inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, cancer, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, etc.

11. garlic

Garlic is one of the best-researched foods when it comes to heart health. For example, scientists have shown that raw garlic can reverse the course of disease. This is due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-vital, anti-diabetic and immune-boosting properties of the bulb. Garlic can lower cholesterol levels, prevent the formation of blood clots, lower blood pressure and protect against infections. You should therefore consume garlic as often as possible, whether in sauces, soups, to season grilled vegetables or in marinades.

12. sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes provide a good portion of artery-cleansing fiber as well as plenty of vitamins and antioxidants. They are also low in calories, have a low glycemic index (i.e. they do not cause a sharp rise in blood sugar levels) and are rich in potassium.

13. persimmon

Persimmons are also known as the "fruit of the gods" and contain plenty of fiber and antioxidants. It has therefore earned its place as one of the best cholesterol-lowering foods. In recent years, researchers have also managed to uncover a whole range of heart-healthy benefits that persimmons offer. For example, Japanese scientists report that regular consumption of persimmon fiber over a period of twelve weeks led to a significant reduction in LDL levels.

14. okra

Okra contains plenty of fiber and important nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. The vegetable is therefore ideal for lowering both cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of this superfood keeps your LDL levels in a healthy range. Heart disease is combated and blood sugar levels are balanced.

The scientists published the results of an animal study in "The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry". Their report states that treating mice with okra extract not only lowered cholesterol levels, but also blood sugar and triglyceride levels.

Four food groups that you should definitely avoid

The most effective way to lower your LDL levels and promote your heart health is to change your diet and avoid certain foods. However, there is no reason to avoid cholesterol-rich foods altogether. Eggs, red meat, dairy products and other foods contain cholesterol and are part of a balanced, healthy diet in moderate amounts.

Instead, focus on these four foods that you should avoid. This way you can easily lower your cholesterol levels:

1. sugar and refined carbohydrates

Added sugar and refined carbohydrates in highly industrially processed foods can have a negative effect on the LDL to HDL ratio in your blood, as they cause a drop in the good cholesterol level. Sugar and refined carbohydrates also have a strong pro-inflammatory effect.

2. alcohol

Although a glass of red wine a day can actually have a positive effect on heart health, heavy alcohol consumption has a negative effect on cholesterol levels. Therefore, consume alcohol in moderation and drink no more than one or two glasses a day to promote your heart health.

3. caffeine

For some people, high caffeine consumption (i.e. the consumption of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, soft drinks or energy drinks) leads to an increase in cholesterol levels. Therefore, limit your coffee and tea consumption to one or two cups a day to keep your cholesterol levels under control.

4. trans fats

Trans fats are found in processed foods and packaged baked goods and can lead to an increase in LDL levels and a decrease in HDL levels and increase the risk of coronary heart disease. The best way to eliminate these unhealthy fats from your diet is to severely limit your consumption of industrially processed foods.

 

The 5 best dietary supplements

Normally, a change in diet will enable you to lower your cholesterol levels effectively. Sometimes taking cholesterol-lowering supplements can enhance the effect. Here are some supplements you can use for this purpose:

1. fish oil (1,000 to 2,000 mg daily)

Fish oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy heart. Taking appropriate supplements is particularly suitable for those who do not eat fish at least once a week. Fish oil effectively increases the HDL level in the blood and cleanses the arteries of LDL.

2. coQ10 (200 to 300 mg daily)

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) is a coenzyme that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. It removes excess cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis by keeping the arteries clean.

3. niacin (1,500 mg daily)

Niacin is also known as vitamin B3 and is often used to treat high cholesterol levels. Scientists have been able to show that niacin lowers triglyceride and LDL levels and at the same time causes an increase in HDL levels.

4. red rice yeast (1,200 mg twice daily)

Red rice yeast is obtained from fermented white rice. The evaluation of 13 studies showed that red rice yeast effectively lowers both triglyceride and LDL levels.

5. garlic (500 mg daily)

Consume garlic. Animal and human studies show that mature garlic extract has cholesterol-lowering properties.

Sport against high cholesterol levels

In addition to a change in diet, sufficient sport and physical exercise are the key to lowering cholesterol levels. The following training approaches have proven to be particularly beneficial for heart health:

1. aerobic training

Aerobic training or cardio training strengthens the heart and lungs. Not only will you stay in shape, but your cholesterol level will also be lowered - studies confirm this. Do something good for yourself and your body and run, cycle or walk every day.

2. resistance training

Resistance training builds your strength and endurance by repeatedly tensing and relaxing your muscles. Some studies show that resistance training has positive effects on heart health and can lower both total cholesterol and LDL levels. Exercises with weights or your own body weight such as squats, lunges etc. are ideal. Just give it a try.

The most important facts about cholesterol

  • Cholesterol is crucial for our survival and the proper functioning of our cells, nerves and hormones.
  • Cholesterol is a natural compound that is essential for our overall health. However, too much bad cholesterol can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.
  • Not all cholesterol is the same - distinguish between good and bad cholesterol.
  • Increase your good cholesterol level (HDL) and lower the bad (LDL) simply through your diet!
  • LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) is deposited in the arteries when there is increased inflammation in the body.
  • Avoid inflammation so that bad cholesterol cannot cause any damage. Inflammation is the main cause of hardening and stiffening of the arteries.
  • The most effective way to lower your LDL levels is to change your diet and consume more foods with cholesterol-lowering properties.Vegetables, nuts and seeds, oily fish and pulses are just a few examples of healthy foods that lower cholesterol levels quickly and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
  • You should also limit your intake of cholesterol-raising foods. This includes all types of sugar, processed oils and convenience foods.
  • You can achieve the greatest effect by combining a healthy diet with regular physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
  • Some people are sensitive to cholesterol from food. However, it is estimated that three quarters of the population remain healthy even if they consume more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day.
  • The consumption of healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, etc.) leads to an increase in HDL levels and the ratio between HDL and LDL. These are two important markers of general health. These foods undoubtedly lead to a balanced cholesterol level, but should still be part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. This will have a positive effect on your heart health. Even with the best cholesterol-lowering diet and eating a few superfoods from time to time, not much will change if you don't change your overall lifestyle.
  • Go slowly and make small changes week by week.
  • Reduce your stress levels, exercise regularly, increase your intake of whole foods, eliminate highly processed, cholesterol-rich foods from your diet and give up unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or alcohol. These are some examples of how you can keep your cholesterol levels under control and improve your overall health.
  • As always, talk to your doctor if you have any underlying conditions or need to take medication and find a solution together. But question statins!

Precautionary measures

The methods described here can lower cholesterol, but should be combined with an overall healthy lifestyle to maximize the effect. For example, a cholesterol-lowering diet should be paired with regular exercise and a reliable sleep schedule.

 

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