From: gts (gts_2000@yahoo.com)
Date: Wed Apr 30 2003 - 17:17:18 MDT
While I believe intake of saturated fats and cholesterol should be kept to
very modest levels, by eliminating dairy and by eating only lean meats, I do
not believe either should be eliminated entirely from the diet. Both were
present in modest quantities in the diets upon which we evolved.
The article cited by Brian supports my case but Harvey points out correctly
that the same website hosts some rather strange pseudoscience.
Below is one reason that modest amounts of cholesterol are needed in the
diet. This is one of several studies that show people with low cholesterol
are more prone to depression and suicide.
Cholesterol is the precursor to most hormones, a fact which might help
explain associating between low cholesterol and depression. Low testosterone
and low DHEA, for example, are both associated with depression (the former
in men, the latter in both men and women). Cholesterol is a metabolic
precursor to both of these hormones.
ABSTRACT:
Further evidence for low serum cholesterol and suicidal behaviour.
J Affect Disord 2000 Dec;61(1-2):69-71 (ISSN: 0165-0327)
Sarchiapone M; Roy A; Camardese G; De Risio S
Institute of Psychiatry/Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
OBJECTIVE: To examine for a relationship between serum cholesterol and
suicidal behavior. METHODS: Patients admitted after an overdose (N=120) were
compared with controls (N=120) for their serum cholesterol levels. RESULTS:
Patients who had overdosed had significantly lower serum cholesterol levels
than controls (mean+/-S.D. 171+/-31 vs. 196+/-30 mg/dl, P<0.0001).
CONCLUSION: These results add to a grouping literature reporting that low
serum cholesterol is associated with suicidal behavior.
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