Studies show that demonizing eggs (and other foods) as a cause of cholesterol was a mistake. Also because the “bad” one derives from genetics and not from the diet.
For decades they ended up on the defendants’ counter, the mantra of all Over 40: Eye to eggsespecially to those yolks with an intense yellow color, guilty ideals of the laying of ours bad cholesterolbitter enemy of heart and arteries. But today the science The case reopens, instilling doubts about a verdict that was too superficial and hurry up: New searches they rewrite the impact on cholesterol levels not only of the beloved eggs, but also of the diet in general.
Because, surprise: only one small sharethat is, about 10%, of the “bad” one (LDL, Low density lipoproteinwhich tends to accumulate in the arteries creating the plates that can obstruct the bloodstream) comes from what we eat. The rest is endogenousthat is, we produce it in the liver.
Obviously this is not a good reason to start decisive towards the buffet of the resort and take out the entire escort of omelette, cold cuts and cheeses from which you have been held away because of the doctor’s warnings: but surely it can be used for better understand the phenomenon and address the problem of cholesterol in a manner more sensible.
The diet is needed, but that’s not enough
“The diet helps because it reduces the calorie intake and improves the general state of health,” explains Professor Giuseppe Musumecidirector of cardiology at the Mauritian hospital in Turin. “But now we know, thanks to numerous trials, that the action it has on LDL cholesterol is almost irrelevant: if you have a bad cholesterol value that stands around 105 (the current guidelines suggest to keep it under 100 in health individuals, under 55 if you have already had cardiovascular events) and you have to get to 94, perhaps with a fairly drastic diet you do it. But if you are above the target of dozens of points, with only food restriction you will never reach the goal. What makes the difference, for our health, is the cholesterol produced by the liver: and that, unfortunately, is mainly determined by genetics».
In practice, you can stay a regime Also all life and go running every morning, but if you have inherited bad cholesterol, without drugs It will still remain out of control. And if your doctor tells you that you can solve the problem by eliminating eggs or other foods, evidently has a problem of professional update.
The role of genetics
«The role of the genetics In regulating the metabolism of fat in the blood is really fundamental, “says Professor Alfredo PontecorviDirector of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetology of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic University Foundation of Rome. “There are forms of family hypercholesterolemia linked to genetic defects of ALDL receptors. These receptors do not work well or are present in insufficient numbers, and therefore they cannot “clean up” the blood: the LDL is not captured and disposed of correctly by the liver, also accumulating itself in subjects that lead a healthy life. Maybe they are young, normal, with a balanced diet, but which in spite of appearances have a very high cardiovascular risk ».
Family hypercholesterolemia is silent And it can be lethal if not recognized and treated: it is often responsible for sudden heart attacks. In these cases it is necessary to immediately reach the prescription of statins or new drugs that act on pcsk9 protein.
Statins and false myths
“Regarding the statins there is a cultural problem,” continues Musumeci. «Too many doctors make patients waste time pushing them only towards the diet or, worse, towards expensive and ineffective supplements: some work only because they contain small doses of natural statinas in the fermented red ricebut often have more side effects than modern statins, which cost very little ».
Cholesterol: enemy or ally?
Also on the role of cholesterol In general, science is reflecting. In light of recent studies, the idea that must always be lowered and in any case, at all ages and without personalization of the therapy, begins to show cracks.
A study of Ukla Health found that in the USA 75% of patients affected by infarction It had normal LDL levels. Other factors such as inflammation, glucose, blood pressure And genetics they weigh as much or more of bad cholesterol.
Cholesterol, in fact, is essential: constitutes the cell membranesis a precursor of the sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol), del cortisol and contributes to the formation of the Vitamin D.
Conclusion
Call therefore to demonizationto equal therapies for everyone and red rice for months. Cholesterol should be managed with customization And common sense: and perhaps already for breakfast, tomorrow morning, we can break some prejudice, with a egg And without any fear.
