Understanding Atherosclerosis and the Hidden Dangers of Trans Fats

Welcome to The Health Quest, where we align our health choices with God's will for vibrant living. I’m Dr. Sal, a practicing surgeon for over 30 years, and today we’re diving deep into a critical topic that affects millions: atherosclerosis, its true causes, and what you can do to protect your heart and health.

What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the artery walls, leading to serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. It can manifest with symptoms such as:

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Temporary blindness (from blocked arteries to the eyes)

• Transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes)

  
  

In severe cases, if a plaque breaks off and travels to the brain or lungs, it can cause a fatal stroke or pulmonary embolism.

The root cause? Inflammation — specifically, inflammation of the endothelial lining of blood vessels. Once inflamed, these vessels allow harmful substances like low-density lipoproteins (LDL) — particularly the small, dense Type B LDL — to infiltrate and begin the process of plaque formation.

The Real Culprit: Oxidized Cholesterol

It’s not cholesterol itself that's the enemy; it's oxidized cholesterol. Excess sugar in the body (from glucose and fructose metabolism) causes oxidative stress that damages proteins and fats, including cholesterol. This damage leads to the formation of plaque in the arteries.

Just like rust corrodes metal, oxidation destroys healthy tissue — setting the stage for chronic inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Fred Kummerow and the Discovery of Trans Fats' Dangers

Dr. Fred Kummerow, a pioneering biochemist who lived to be 102, dedicated his life to exposing the truth about trans fats — industrial fats created through hydrogenation.

In the 1950s, doctors mistakenly blamed saturated fats like butter and meat for heart disease. Meanwhile, Dr. Kummerow revealed that trans fats were the real culprits, contributing heavily to arterial plaque, heart attacks, and strokes.

Despite his findings, food companies and even regulatory agencies were slow to act. It wasn’t until Dr. Kummerow sued the FDA at age 98 that real changes in labeling were implemented — though trans fats, hidden under "0 trans fat" labels, are still found in many processed foods today.

Key takeaway:Hydrogenated oils, even when labeled as "0 trans fats," can oxidize in your body and fuel disease.

Why Oxidized Cholesterol is So Dangerous

Dr. Kummerow’s studies showed that patients with heart disease had:

• Higher levels of oxidized LDLs (called oxysterols)

• More harmful cholesterol types (sphingomyelin instead of phosphatidylcholine)

• Higher arterial calcium deposits, contributing to stiffened, hardened arteries

  
  

Antioxidants, like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and herbs such as rosemary and thyme, help combat oxidative damage. However, diets high in processed foods and low in antioxidants worsen inflammation and vascular damage.

Three Major Contributors to Atherosclerosis

Dr. Kummerow identified three lifestyle factors that significantly increase the risk of oxidized cholesterol buildup:

1. Commercially Fried Foods: Fried chicken, French fries, fried fish — all contain oxidized fats.

2. Vegetable Oils: Oils like canola, corn, and soybean oil can become trans fats after digestion, despite "0 trans fat" claims.

3. Cigarette Smoking: Each puff releases millions of free radicals that destroy healthy tissue and oxidize LDL cholesterol.

   
   

Avoiding these triggers is vital to protect your heart.

The Truth About Egg Yolks

Egg yolks have been unfairly vilified as dangerous because of a historical misunderstanding. During the industrial era, powdered eggs — heavily oxidized during processing — were linked to heart disease. Fresh, natural eggs, however, are rich in healthy phosphatidylcholine, a crucial building block for your body's 100 trillion cells and your brain, which is 90% cholesterol by composition.

Real food, not industrially processed substitutes, is key to good health.

The Bottom Line: Fight Inflammation, Choose Wisely

We now know that it’s oxidized fats, excess sugar, and free radical damage — not natural cholesterol — that drives atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Heart:

• Avoid fast foods and processed fried foods.

• Minimize vegetable oil consumption; choose natural fats like butter or olive oil.

• Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods: fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables.

• Quit smoking to eliminate a major source of oxidative damage.

• Eat whole, unprocessed foods, especially healthy fats and natural sources of cholesterol like eggs.

  
  

By aligning your diet with the natural laws God designed, you not only heal your body but also fortify your future health and vitality.

Thank you for reading today’s The Health Quest blog!

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 Take care and stay healthy!

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

I hope this message resonates with you and inspires you to take steps toward a life of health and purpose. Each blog post is backed by research, helping you align your health with a disciplined, purpose-driven life. Please share your thoughts, leave a review, or reach out with any questions. May this journey bring you closer to the health and vitality God intends for you. For more information watch my video on 12 Steps to Health Restoration.

God bless,

Dr. Sal