The liver is the organ responsible for producing cholesterol, a substance needed by our bodies for many vital functions, such as the synthesis of hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. The liver can produce too much cholesterol in the presence of a diet high in saturated fats, which can increase levels of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol in the blood. Obesity and lack of physical activity can also contribute to increased cholesterol production by the liver.

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis. LDL cholesterol, commonly known as “bad cholesterol,” can be deposited on artery walls, forming plaques that, over time, can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Another type of cholesterol, HDL or “good cholesterol,” on the other hand, has a protective action and helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries. When HDL cholesterol levels are low and LDL cholesterol levels are high, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases.
It is important to note that high cholesterol is not the only risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Other risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and lack of physical activity. In addition, the combination of multiple risk factors can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly.
It is therefore important to keep cholesterol levels under control by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, and stress management. In some cases, it may be necessary to use medications to reduce LDL cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease.

Yes, in general, LDL cholesterol (or “bad cholesterol”) tends to increase with advancing age. This is because our metabolism slows down and the liver becomes less efficient at removing cholesterol from the blood. In addition, physical activity usually decreases with age and can contribute to a rise in cholesterol.
Not all older people have high LDL cholesterol levels. There are several factors that can influence blood cholesterol levels, including diet, lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. Therefore, although age may be a risk factor for hypercholesterolemia, it is not the only factor that should be considered.

Yes, it has been observed that some populations do not have high cholesterol levels. For example, the Maasai, a tribe in Kenya, are known to have some of the lowest cholesterol levels in the world. Some studies suggest that this may be attributed to their diet, which consists mainly of lean meat, milk, and blood from cows and goats, rather than a genetic predisposition.
Asian and Mediterranean populations also seem to have relatively low cholesterol levels compared to Western populations, which could be attributed to their diet and lifestyle. There are many variables that can influence cholesterol levels in different populations, including genetic, environmental, and dietary factors.

Plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, are generally cholesterol-free. Some examples of foods with zero cholesterol are:
Fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, etc.
Fresh vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, etc.
Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, spelt, barley, etc.
Legumes such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, fava beans, etc.
Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, etc.
Lean animal foods such as skinless chicken, turkey, lean fish.
It is important to note that although these foods do not contain cholesterol, they may still contain saturated or trans fats that can raise blood cholesterol levels, so it is important to pay attention to the quantity and quality of the foods you consume.

Although most fruits are considered healthy foods and recommended for a balanced diet, some varieties may contain significant amounts of simple sugars, such as fructose, which can adversely affect cholesterol levels. In particular, it is best to consume fresh and seasonal fruits, such as apples, pears, citrus fruits and berries, which are rich in fiber and vitamins.

Eating ice cream with high cholesterol depends on the amount and frequency of consumption. In general, ice cream can contain a significant amount of saturated fat, sugar, and calories, which if consumed in excess can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

When eaten in moderation and as part of a healthy, balanced diet, ice cream should not cause any problems for people with high cholesterol.

Yes, some studies have suggested that regular consumption of Annurca apples can help lower bad cholesterol, or LDL. Annurca apples are a variety of apple grown primarily in the Campania region of Italy, but they can also be found in other countries. They naturally contain high amounts of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, which can have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, including reducing bad cholesterol. Consumption of Annurca apples alone is not enough to manage high cholesterol, and should be combined with a healthy lifestyle and other dietary changes. It is recommended that you talk to a doctor or dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.

Olive leaf infusion has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its effect on high cholesterol. Some research has suggested that olive leaf extracts may have a cholesterol-lowering effect, that is, they may help reduce blood cholesterol levels.
In particular, oleuropein, a compound found in olive leaves, appears to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system.

Yes, statins are very effective drugs for lowering blood cholesterol levels, but like any drug, they can have side effects and contraindications.
Absolute contraindications to the use of statins are rare and include drug allergies, severe liver or muscle failure, and pregnancy or lactation. Statins should be used with caution or under close medical supervision, such as in renal failure, diabetes, hypothyroidism, muscle disease, and interactions with other drugs.
The most common side effects of statins are gastrointestinal complaints (such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation), headache, muscle pain, and weakness, but these tend to be mild and temporary. In rare cases statins can cause serious side effects, such as severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) and kidney failure.