Why LDL cholesterol goes up on LCHF diet and is it bad for health?

[Praveen55]

Following LCHF diets raises HDL level, lowers triglyceride, lowers insulin and increases LDL cholesterol. While first three are considered beneficial, there is concern about high level of LDL cholesterol. The presentation below by Dr Nadir Ali, concludes we should celebrate high LDL level because it offers:

LONGER LIVING

BETTER COGNITIVE ABILITY

LOWER INFECTION RISK AND

LOWER CANCER RISK

Dr. Nadir Ali is an interventional cardiologist with over 25 years of experience. He is also the chairman of the Department of Cardiology at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center. Before working as a cardiologist, he served as an assistant professor of medicine for eight years at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where he also received his medical training.

Dr. Ali has championed many aspects of the science and practice of a low-carb lifestyle in the local Clear Lake area since 2013. He organises a monthly nutritional seminar in the Searcy Auditorium of the Clear Lake Hospital that receives more than 100 visitors every month from the local community. Dr Ali’s focus is on managing heart disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

youtu.be/qXtdp4BNyOg(Not working as expected?)

[MikePollard]

Great post.

My perspective regarding LDL has gone from 'fearing' small dense LDL to having no concern whatsoever, so long as insulin is kept low.

Having long ago dismissed the cholesterol/saturated fat thing, it has alwasy puzzled me why one element of a nutrient delivery system has been singled out as the REAL culprit. I guess that in the dying days of 'cholesterol, focus has shifted to LDL by those with vested interests still clinging to a worn out and fallacious paradigm.

[TheAwfulToad Ambassador]

Finally got around to watching this. I found the first half a bit too rapid-fire and hard to follow, but the Lothian study is fascinating - especially the association of high cholesterol and strokes. That's a huge, huge difference on the graph. 50% risk with low cholesterol, down to 1-2% risk with average or high cholesterol. That's bigger than the cancer-rate difference between smokers and non-smokers. And 40%->11% for CAD. That's the sort of effect that should make people really sit up and take notice. But it doesn't, because the belief in "bad cholesterol" has gone waaaay past any rational debate and into Spanish Inquisition territory.

I'm surprised Dr Ali sees LDL consistently rise. The studies I've seen are a mixed bag - LDL may rise, fall, or stay the same on LCHF. There seems to be no obvious pattern. I'm wondering if this is simply because "LDL" is not a single entity, and it's hard to measure with any real accuracy.

I completely agree with him on the first point: if doctors don't get their act together, they're going to get buggy-whipped. The writing is on the wall, and those who find themselves on the wrong team when this all kicks off are going to have their professional reputations ruined at best; possibly struck off or bankrupted at worst. I'm sure a lot of political protection will be given to important people, but those who don't matter are going to be waist-deep in you-know-what.

[Lytham]

Hi, just wanted to say a MASSIVE thank you to you for helping me figure out my lchf tweaking conundrum.

Im now at my lowest weight EVER (this time round)! I have lost more weight versus this period last year, but the best bit by far is I havent been starving and suffering.

Thanks a million, I would have given up without the help! x

[Praveen55 in reply to Lytham]

Lytham

CONGRATULATIONS! You have been successful breaking through your weight loss plateau.

Wish you all the best.

[Lytham in reply to Praveen55]

Thanks ! Im flying now, long my it last !! x