A diet that limits cholesterol intake but contains a large amount of vegetable oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids creates conditions for the development of inflammatory and atherosclerotic processes.
The Role of Cholesterol and Its Protective Function
Cholesterol is not an enemy, but a vital molecule. It is necessary for:
- synthesis of sex and steroid hormones (testosterone, cortisol, estrogens);
- formation of bile acids (without them, there is no normal digestion of fats);
- building cell membranes — cholesterol makes them strong and elastic;
- protection of blood vessels: when the endothelium is damaged, cholesterol "seals" microcracks, acting as a natural "band-aid".
When cholesterol is restricted in the diet, the liver begins to synthesize it in larger quantities to compensate for the deficiency. However, if the diet is high in omega-6, oxidative stress occurs, making cholesterol "sticky" and inflamed.
Omega-6 and Inflammation of Blood Vessels
The main component of vegetable oils (sunflower, corn, soybean) is linoleic acid (omega-6). In the body, it is converted into arachidonic acid, from which inflammatory mediators are synthesized:
- prostaglandins of series 2 (PGE2),
- thromboxanes (TXA2),
- leukotrienes (LTB4).
All these substances:
- increase blood clotting,
- contribute to vasospasm,
- activate immune cells and inflammation in the endothelium.
The result is endothelial dysfunction, lipid accumulation in the vessel wall, and the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque.
Imbalance of Omega-6 : Omega-3
For normal fat metabolism, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 should be approximately 3:1 or even 2:1. Modern anti-atherogenic diets based on vegetable oils give a ratio of 20:1 or higher.
Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) are antagonists of omega-6; they:
- reduce platelet aggregation,
- dilate blood vessels,
- lower triglyceride levels,
- suppress the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins.
When there is a deficiency of omega-3 and an excess of omega-6, the body enters a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, which is the trigger mechanism for atherosclerosis.
Why Blood Vessels Suffer Without Cholesterol
If cholesterol is removed but the damaging factor (oxidized omega-6 and inflammation) remains, the vessel is left without a protective mechanism. The endothelium continues to deteriorate, and even "low cholesterol" does not help — on the contrary, the risk increases:
- ruptures of the vessel wall,
- myocardial ischemia,
- stroke.
As a result, the paradox is that the less cholesterol there is in the diet, the more actively the liver synthesizes it, and the inflamed vessel wall makes this cholesterol atherogenic.
