Fish Oil Works Better Than Statins at Improving HDL Cholesterol

A study has shown that fish oils are more effective than the statin drug Lipitor in positively affecting the levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol in obese and insulin-resistant men. HDL cholesterol protects against atherosclerosis by removing excess cholesterol from arterial cells, and low HDL levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly for those who are obese or insulin resistant.
(American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 84, No. 1, 37-43, July 2006)
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Gary Moller Comments:
Research studies like these beg the question why on earth these drugs (statins) are prescribed to just about every person in the developed world who presents to the Dr with "raised" cardiovascular risk. Why not concentrate on diet and throw in a little exercise while at it?

Besides, fish oil, flaxseed oil and olive oil, to name a few - are much more affordable and have fewer side effects, other than feeling and looking great!

I gave a presentation to an audience of over 50 people last Friday about staying healthy and fit as we age. I was asked about statins. In my response I referred to "rare" adverse effects including severe muscle wasting, muscle weakness and pain. After the presentation, two women came up to me and told me that they had suffered muscle pain and wasting from taking statins. One had severe wasting of the quadriceps. Such complications are terrible and lasting, causing no end of ongoing problems with health, quality of life and risk of injury by falling.

So much for these adverse reactions being rare. If, say about 12 people in the audiuence were on statins, 2 out of 12 is not rare.

More about this issue in a later posting.