The Cholesterol Myth: What Really Causes Heart Disease?

What You Haven’t Been Told

For decades, cholesterol has been framed as the enemy of heart health. We’ve been told to avoid saturated fats, lower our cholesterol, and replace traditional foods with 'heart-healthy' alternatives. But what if this narrative is flawed? What if cholesterol is not only harmless but essential for healing and longevity?

The Essential Role of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is not our enemy; it is essential for life. It forms the backbone of our hormones, supports brain function, aids digestion, and plays a key role in healing and repair. Every single cell in our body relies on cholesterol. When we restrict it, we are interfering with vital processes, including immune function and mental health.

Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride has long highlighted the importance of cholesterol, particularly in the context of gut health and overall healing. She explains that when arteries become inflamed due to poor diet, toxins, and stress, cholesterol is sent to the site to help with repair. Blaming cholesterol for heart disease is like blaming firemen for fires—they arrive to repair the damage, not to cause it!

The Flawed Cholesterol-Heart Disease Hypothesis

The notion that dietary cholesterol causes heart disease stems from flawed research dating back to the mid-20th century. Dr. Weston A. Price’s research into traditional diets showed that indigenous cultures consumed high amounts of animal fats yet enjoyed robust health, strong hearts, and little to no cardiovascular disease. Their secret? Nutrient-dense, whole foods, rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2 (what Price called ‘Activator X’).

Sally Fallon, in her work through the Weston A. Price Foundation, has tirelessly debunked the low-fat myth. She points out that the introduction of industrial seed oils and processed foods—not cholesterol—coincided with the rise of modern diseases, including heart disease. When we swap natural saturated fats for processed oils and refined carbohydrates, we create the perfect storm for inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction.

What Really Causes Heart Disease?

Rather than cholesterol, heart disease is driven by chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and insulin resistance. Factors that contribute to this include:

• Processed seed oils (high in omega-6, promoting inflammation)

• Refined sugars and grains

• Chronic stress and poor sleep

• Lack of essential fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and K2)

• Toxin exposure from pesticides, plastics, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors

When we nourish our bodies with ancestral foods—grass-fed meats, organ meats, raw dairy, fermented foods, and nutrient-dense animal fats—we provide the raw materials needed to support a strong cardiovascular system.

Rethinking Cholesterol and Embracing Ancestral Wisdom

It’s time to shift our perspective. Cholesterol is not the enemy; it is a vital nutrient. Instead of fearing butter, eggs, and meat, we should embrace them as the healing foods they are. As Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, Weston Price, and Sally Fallon have shown, true health comes from respecting traditional wisdom and feeding our bodies the way nature intended.

Heart health is about more than just numbers on a blood test. It’s about reducing inflammation, supporting gut health, and nourishing our bodies with real, traditional foods. Instead of fearing fat, let’s return to the wisdom of our ancestors—one nutrient-dense meal at a time.

#AncestralHealing