TF and cholesterol - what to think?

[Mere]

I had my first cholesterol test ever last week, and I'm not sure what to think; my overall cholesterol number was 209, my HDL was 75, and my LDL was 120.  I was surprised by the results, to say the least!  I've always felt really good about our family's diet, and considered myself a generally very healthy eater.  [Before I go further, a disclaimer - I did not do the fast that they recommended before the test, so maybe that has skewed the results a bit, I don't know.] 

Anyhow, the results have made me rethink my consumption of saturated fats, namely coconut oil, raw milk and butter (which I make from our milk).   Any thoughts?

[tanyalynn]

a--not fasting will change the results, but b--what's the problem with those numbers?  To the extent that cholesterol is a meaningful measure of health, those look fine to me. 

[Mere]

I think I'm just reacting to the report, which classifies cholesterol numbers above 200 as 'borderline high.'  The HDL and LDL numbers were also classified as 'borderline high' on this report.  I just don't know what to think, or if I even need to think anything. 

[saratc]

Many holistic practioners don't even look at the total cholesterol anymore and instead look at the ratios. I believe the goal is to have a total cholesterol to HDL ratio of less than 5:1, with the ideal being 3.5:1. Yours is about 2.8:1, which is phenomenal. I remember mine being close to yours. My total cholesterol is something like 215, with an HDL of 79.

[janinemh]

The lab range for cholesterol have been getting narrower and narrower for a while now.  The main reason:  statin drugs are BIG money.  I think your levels are fine. 

[deditus]

How long have you been eating TF? Are you breastfeeding?

Have you read this article by Chris Masterjohn?

https://westonaprice.org/blogs/why-is-my-cholesterol-so-high-on-this-diet.html

[Arduinna]

Since it wasn't fasting, I wouldn't even consider the results as anything reliable.

[Mere]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone - it is reassuring.  Thanks also deditus for the link to that article - also very informative.  I'm not breastfeeding anymore and we've been transitioning to a TF diet over the past 4 years or so.