What’s Happening: Cholesterol

In the Paleo world, we’re cholesterol skeptics. It’s not that cholesterol isn’t important, it’s just that “cholesterol kills you” is a false simplification that only really helps the drug companies that make huge profits from statin drugs. Take a peek at the latest in cholesterol science this week:

• A very thought-provoking post on Dr. John Briffa’s blog sorts through a new study showing that higher cholesterol (even LDL!) is actually associated with a lower risk of death. And instead of just reporting the association, Dr. Briffa also brings in a few other studies to suggest confounding factors or other problems with survey studies might not actually be skewing the results.

• On the Balanced Bites podcast, Diane Sanfilippo interviews Jimmy Moore, low-carb figurehead and the author of a forthcoming book called Cholesterol Clarity, about cholesterol and what it means.

So fry up some guilt-free egg yolks, and use all that cholesterol-fueled brainpower to dig into the rest of this week’s news:

• Bone broth is easily the most delicious and nutrient-dense source of gelatin around, but for those times when it’s just not in the cards, here’s a primer on gelatin and collagen supplements.

• Mark Sisson wonders whether having a life purpose can improve your health. Diet is important, but it’s not the only factor that goes into your health, and sometimes focusing too narrowly on nutrition means missing the bigger picture.

• In a guest post on Robb Wolf’s blog, the case for trying one thing at a time. One good self-experiment tells you a lot more than five lousy ones!

• After getting inspired at the Ancestral Health Symposium, Steve and Jordan at SCD Lifestyle discuss how Paleo and other health-based diets have more similarities than differences, and explain their thoughts on vegetarianism.

• Chris Kresser profiles another international cuisine this week, featuring lessons we can learn from Japan.

• A relatively new Paleo blog, Go Maleo, serves up a research-backed reminder of why you really do need your sleep. His conclusion: “Go to bed.”

What’s your best tip for getting in a solid night of sleep? Help out your fellow cavemen and women on Facebook or Google+!