The outer and inner membranes protect and define the cells in the tissues of our bodies. They give them shape and strength. These membranes organise, support and protect the proteins (enzymes) that give function and purpose to the tissues and organs of our bodies.

Cell Membranes are made of fat (lipids) and cholesterol. To work and protect the cell there has to be at least 1 cholesterol molecule for every 4 fat molecules.  Less cholesterol causes the membrane to become weak and leaky.
The maintenance of organs and tissues relies on a regular supply of fats and fat soluble nutrients. This supply comes from the large LDL lipid droplets which are recognised and absorbed by the LDL receptors on the cells. The recycling waste involves the return of smaller HDL  lipid droplets to the liver via the blood stream.

As we age ours cells LDL receptors can become damaged by sugar leading to poor maintenance of the membranes.  The cell has a shortage of lipids (fats) and cholesterol. Cell walls  becomes leaky and prone to fail. LDL lipids are left unused in the blood stream. HDL lipids are not being returned.

As we age what we we required is a reduction in damage caused by excess blood sugars (glucose and fructose) together with an adequate supply of fats and cholesterol.  

This is the basis of the success of the Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat diets in addressing the modern dietary health issues.

Published research on cell membranes and lipids is at complete odds with modern medical practices and much dietary guidance.  Statins and low fat diets are misguided attempts to prevent fatty nutrients from entering the blood stream by blocking the production of mevalonate.  Mevalonate is used to make steroids hormones, cholesterol, signalling molecules, dolichols and co-enzyme Q10 etc – a whole series of vital health promoting substances.

The Statin-Damage Triad is a modern health crisis progressively brought on by a combination of 3 lifestyle factors: Excess Blood Sugar, Low Dietary Fat intake and statin medications.

Links:  The supporting references to published research are contained in my conference paper  ‘The High-Cholesterol Paradox’ which was especially requested to make facts and history widely accessible.