Bad Cholesterol: More than a bad diet

Poor diet and a lack of exercise has long been blamed for high cholesterol - the latest research suggests that this may only be partly the reason. Research conducted at the University of Cincinnati found that the brain has a role in regulating the levels of 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol circulating the bloodstream.

The brain works by a series of hormonal messages; an increase in the presence of one hormone can trigger responses to the bodys production of other hormones. In the study, levels of the hormone ghrelin - a hormone that regulates hunger - were measured against levels of 'bad' cholesterol and a direct correlation was found.

The study was conducted on mice, meaning the research must be repeated on humans before conclusive results can be drawn, however the study conductors are optimistic that a breakthrough in cholesterol triggers has been made.

When increased levels of ghrelin are present in the brain, the brains' receptors regulating hunger - and therefore food intake - and the body's absorption of glucose are inhibited. If the research is confirmed, preventing the blockage of the ghrelin receptor could decrease high cholesterol and prevent the need for medication to control high cholesterol.

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