{"id":6327,"date":"2012-07-26T17:16:54","date_gmt":"2012-07-26T15:16:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/backtothebasics.me\/lowering-cholesterol-sensible-or-overrated\/"},"modified":"2025-03-22T06:38:17","modified_gmt":"2025-03-22T05:38:17","slug":"lowering-cholesterol-sensible-or-overrated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/backtothebasics.me\/en\/lowering-cholesterol-sensible-or-overrated\/","title":{"rendered":"Lowering cholesterol &#8211; sensible or overrated?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-bottom:50px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one\" style=\"--awb-margin-top-small:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-small:20px;\"><div class=\"title-sep-container title-sep-container-left fusion-no-large-visibility fusion-no-medium-visibility fusion-no-small-visibility\"><div class=\"title-sep sep- sep-solid\" style=\"border-color:var(--awb-color3);\"><\/div><\/div><span class=\"awb-title-spacer fusion-no-large-visibility fusion-no-medium-visibility fusion-no-small-visibility\"><\/span><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;text-transform:capitalize;--fontSize:45;line-height:1.4;\"><p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 &#091;&#093;\">Lowering cholesterol &#8211; sensible or overrated?<\/p><\/h1><span class=\"awb-title-spacer\"><\/span><div class=\"title-sep-container title-sep-container-right\"><div class=\"title-sep sep- sep-solid\" style=\"border-color:var(--awb-color3);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator\" style=\"align-self: flex-start;margin-right:auto;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;max-width:200px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;--awb-sep-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-top-width:2px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h3 data-start=\"668\" data-end=\"1013\">Cholesterol has been a hotly debated topic in medicine and nutrition for decades. People who go to the doctor are often advised to lower their <strong data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"828\">cholesterol<\/strong> &#8211; sometimes regardless of the overall picture. But many people don&#8217;t know this: Cholesterol is a vital component of our body and fulfills numerous important functions.  <\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"1015\" data-end=\"1320\">In this article, you will find out what cholesterol actually is, what tasks it fulfills &#8211; and why <strong data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1141\">&#8220;lowering cholesterol&#8221;<\/strong> is not always the best solution. We also shed light on the psychological interpretation of cholesterol levels, which can provide exciting clues about our psychological protection system. <\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-bottom:50px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h2 data-start=\"584\" data-end=\"609\">What is cholesterol?<\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator\" style=\"align-self: flex-start;margin-right:auto;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;max-width:200px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;--awb-sep-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-top-width:2px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><p data-start=\"1354\" data-end=\"1599\">Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that belongs to the lipid group. It is a component of every body cell and is largely produced by the body itself &#8211; mainly in the liver. Only a small proportion comes from food.  <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1354\" data-end=\"1599\"><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1601\" data-end=\"1634\">What is cholesterol made of?<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1635\" data-end=\"1792\">\n<li data-start=\"1635\" data-end=\"1677\">It belongs to the so-called sterols.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1678\" data-end=\"1792\">As it is not soluble in water, it is transported in the blood via so-called lipoproteins &#8211; mainly LDL and HDL<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-bottom:50px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><h2 data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1843\">Where is it produced in the body?<\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator\" style=\"align-self: flex-start;margin-right:auto;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;max-width:200px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;--awb-sep-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-top-width:2px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><p data-start=\"1845\" data-end=\"2092\">The liver is the main production site for cholesterol. However, the intestines, the brain and the adrenal glands also synthesize this substance. If there is too little cholesterol in the diet, the body increases its own production &#8211; and vice versa.  <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2094\" data-end=\"2259\">This means that if you want to lower your <strong data-start=\"2117\" data-end=\"2139\">cholesterol<\/strong>, you need to understand that the body actively compensates for this. A purely dietary approach therefore often falls short. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-bottom:50px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><h2 data-start=\"2266\" data-end=\"2331\">Its tasks &#8211; indispensable for your body<\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator\" style=\"align-self: flex-start;margin-right:auto;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;max-width:200px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;--awb-sep-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-top-width:2px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><p data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2398\">Despite its bad reputation, cholesterol is a real all-rounder:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2985\">\n<li data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2509\"><strong data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2417\">Cell protection:<\/strong> Cholesterol stabilizes the cell membranes and protects the cells from external influences.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2510\" data-end=\"2633\"><strong data-start=\"2512\" data-end=\"2530\">Hormone production:<\/strong> It is the starting material for sex hormones (e.g. oestrogen, testosterone) and stress hormones such as cortisol.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"2745\"><strong data-start=\"2636\" data-end=\"2659\">Vitamin D synthesis:<\/strong> Without cholesterol there is no vitamin D &#8211; a key factor for the immune system and bones.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2746\" data-end=\"2856\"><strong data-start=\"2748\" data-end=\"2765\">Bile acids:<\/strong> Cholesterol is converted into bile acids, which are essential for the digestion of fat.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2857\" data-end=\"2985\"><strong data-start=\"2859\" data-end=\"2880\">Nerve cell protection:<\/strong> component of the myelin sheaths &#8211; important for functioning signal transmission in the nervous system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2987\" data-end=\"3102\">So if you want to blindly <strong data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3029\">lower<\/strong> your <strong data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3029\">cholesterol<\/strong>, you also run the risk of negatively influencing these important processes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-bottom:50px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><h2 data-start=\"3109\" data-end=\"3160\">The reference range &#8211; a question of perspective<\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator\" style=\"align-self: flex-start;margin-right:auto;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;max-width:200px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;--awb-sep-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-top-width:2px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><p data-start=\"3162\" data-end=\"3391\">In the past, a total cholesterol value of up to 250 mg\/dl was considered harmless. It was only with the introduction of cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) that the upper limit was gradually lowered &#8211; today it is often 200 mg\/dl or below. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3684\"><strong data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3420\">Critical to consider:<\/strong><br data-start=\"3420\" data-end=\"3423\">These limits are not set in stone, but have also been adjusted over the years for economic reasons. The lower the reference value, the more people are considered to be in need of treatment &#8211; and the more medication is prescribed. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3686\" data-end=\"3786\">Another reason why the motto &#8220;<strong data-start=\"3723\" data-end=\"3745\">lower cholesterol<\/strong> at any price&#8221; should be reconsidered.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-6 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-bottom:50px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><h2 data-start=\"3793\" data-end=\"3859\">Psychological interpretation: What does it say about your psyche?<\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator\" style=\"align-self: flex-start;margin-right:auto;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;max-width:200px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;--awb-sep-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-top-width:2px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\"><p data-start=\"3861\" data-end=\"4040\">Blood values can be interpreted not only medically, but also psychologically. As on the outside, so on the inside &#8211; our blood values can also provide indications of mental processes. <\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4042\" data-end=\"4094\">Total cholesterol &#8211; mirror of internal protection<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4096\" data-end=\"4244\">As cholesterol is located in the cell membrane and performs protective functions there, it can also symbolize our psychological protective ability:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4246\" data-end=\"4579\">\n<li data-start=\"4246\" data-end=\"4425\"><strong data-start=\"4248\" data-end=\"4267\">Low value:<\/strong> Low &#8220;inner protective shield&#8221; &#8211; you are more easily influenced, have difficulties with boundaries, quickly absorb emotions or opinions from outside.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4426\" data-end=\"4579\"><strong data-start=\"4428\" data-end=\"4443\">High value:<\/strong> Strong need for protection &#8211; you have a strong need for boundaries and may feel threatened or overwhelmed by many external influences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4581\" data-end=\"4794\">The same applies here: neither too much nor too little is optimal. If you want to lower your <strong data-start=\"4653\" data-end=\"4675\">cholesterol<\/strong>, you should ask yourself whether psychological issues such as boundaries or excessive demands may also be playing a role. <\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\"><h3 data-start=\"4801\" data-end=\"4857\">HDL and LDL &#8211; symbol for processing or stress<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"4859\" data-end=\"5224\">\n<li data-start=\"4859\" data-end=\"5052\"><strong data-start=\"4861\" data-end=\"4896\">HDL (high-density lipoprotein):<\/strong> Brings excess cholesterol back to the liver &#8211; thus symbolically a sign that you can process and integrate external impressions well.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5053\" data-end=\"5224\"><strong data-start=\"5055\" data-end=\"5089\">LDL (low-density lipoprotein):<\/strong> Transports cholesterol into the tissues &#8211; this may indicate that external stresses are being absorbed but not processed well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5226\" data-end=\"5398\">An imbalance &#8211; for example a high LDL value with low HDL &#8211; could therefore also mean mental imbalance: A lot of external input, but little opportunity for processing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-7 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-bottom:50px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13\"><h2 data-start=\"5405\" data-end=\"5448\">Lowering cholesterol &#8211; but holistically<\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator\" style=\"align-self: flex-start;margin-right:auto;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;max-width:200px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;--awb-sep-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-top-width:2px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14\"><p data-start=\"5450\" data-end=\"5680\">Of course, it can make sense to <strong data-start=\"5509\" data-end=\"5534\">lower cholesterol<\/strong> in certain situations &#8211; especially when several risk factors come together. However, instead of rushing to take medication, it is worth taking a holistic view: <\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5682\" data-end=\"6091\">\n<li data-start=\"5682\" data-end=\"5788\"><strong data-start=\"5684\" data-end=\"5698\">Diet:<\/strong> Lots of vegetables, good fats (e.g. from nuts, linseed oil, avocado), little sugar and white flour.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5789\" data-end=\"5882\"><strong data-start=\"5791\" data-end=\"5804\">Exercise:<\/strong> Regular physical activity improves the ratio of HDL to LDL.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5883\" data-end=\"5976\"><strong data-start=\"5885\" data-end=\"5905\">Stress reduction:<\/strong> Permanent stress influences the cholesterol level via the hormone axis.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5977\" data-end=\"6091\"><strong data-start=\"5979\" data-end=\"6001\">Mental balance:<\/strong> consciously tackle the issue of boundaries, self-protection and processing external influences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6093\" data-end=\"6227\">Anyone who wants to <strong data-start=\"6102\" data-end=\"6124\">lower<\/strong> their <strong data-start=\"6102\" data-end=\"6124\">cholesterol<\/strong> should therefore always consider this in a comprehensive context &#8211; both physically and mentally.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-8 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-bottom:50px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1216.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-15\"><h2 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 &#091;&#093;\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator\" style=\"align-self: flex-start;margin-right:auto;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;max-width:200px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;--awb-sep-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-color:var(--awb-custom_color_1);border-top-width:2px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-16\"><p data-start=\"6246\" data-end=\"6457\">Cholesterol is a vital substance that can do far more than just &#8220;clog up the arteries&#8221;. It protects our cells, is the starting material for hormones and a mirror for our inner protective ability. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6459\" data-end=\"6682\">The goal should not simply be: <strong data-start=\"6497\" data-end=\"6519\">Lowering cholesterol<\/strong> &#8211; but <strong data-start=\"6530\" data-end=\"6555\">understanding cholesterol<\/strong>. Because, as is so often the case in life, it&#8217;s all about balance &#8211; and the interplay between body, mind and soul. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cholesterol has been a hotly debated topic in medicine and nutrition for decades. While it is often associated with cardiovascular disease, it is in fact a vital substance for our bodies. In this article, you will find out what cholesterol actually is, what its functions are and why the assessment of cholesterol levels should be treated with caution. We also look at a lesser-known perspective: the psychological interpretation of cholesterol levels.   <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6300,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[113,106,199,111,112],"tags":[201,200],"class_list":["post-6327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basics-en","category-blog-en","category-blood-values","category-nutrition","category-tips-tricks","tag-blood-values","tag-cholesterol"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Lowering cholesterol - sensible or overrated? - Back to the basics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Lower cholesterol? - It is a vital substance. 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