A new study of Sardinia’s longest-living residents reveals that moderate LDL cholesterol levels may be a secret to longevity—challenging mainstream medical advice on cholesterol management.
Study: The Cholesterol Paradox in Long-Livers from a Sardinia Longevity Hot Spot (Blue Zone). Image Credit: Naeblys / Shutterstock
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients on nonagenarians from Sardinia’s Blue Zone challenged conventional wisdom. It revealed that individuals with moderate hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL) may have longer lifespans. However, this effect was not observed in individuals with very high cholesterol levels, particularly women. By examining the cholesterol profiles of a long-lived population, the team of Italian researchers aimed to determine…