Something which is rarely touched upon in mainstream media is the importance of healthy cholesterol levels for mental health. Many believe that cholesterol needs to be kept as low as possible in the body, due to it’s ‘artery-clogging’ properties. However, there is a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to this highly important fat and its various roles in maintaining health in the body and brain. ⁠

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The brain actually stores the highest level of cholesterol in the body, containing approximately 20% of whole body cholesterol. And it’s no wonder that this is the case, considering that one of cholesterol’s most important functions in the brain is supporting the structure and function of neurones (brain cells), making up part of the outer protective layer of nerves and their cells to help optimise cell signalling and communication. ⁠

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Studies have also shown that cholesterol plays a pivotal role in serotonin transmission due to cholesterol’s role in cell membrane structure. Considering this key fact, it makes sense why so many studies have persistently shown an association between low serum cholesterol and major depression/low mood. Aggressive statin medication has unsurprisingly led to reports of increased anxiety, depression and irritability. However, research is still unclear and it is important to highlight that not everyone that takes cholesterol-lowering medications will be predisposed to a mental health condition. ⁠