Quick Take

Statins are widely prescribed to lower blood cholesterol levels and claim to offer unparalleled protection against heart disease. Believed to be completely safe and capable of preventing a whole series of other conditions, they are the most profitable drug in the history of medicine. In this groundbreaking book, GP Malcolm Kendrick exposes the truth behind the hype. He will change the way we think about cholesterol forever. Rubbishing the diet-heart hypothesis, in which clinical trials 'prove' that high cholesterol causes heart disease and a high-fat diet leads to heart disease, Kendrick lambastes a powerful pharmaceutical industry and unquestioning medical profession, who, he claims, perpetuate the madcap concepts of 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol and cholesterol levels to convince millions of people to unnecessarily spend billions of pounds on statins. Clearly and comprehensively debunking assumptions on what constitute a healthy lifestyle and diet, "The Great Cholesterol Con" is the accessible, indispensable and absorbing case against statins and for a more common-sense approach to heart disease and general wellbeing. No more over-hyped miracle drugs; no more garlic, red wine, anti-oxidants, fruit or vegetables; even a vegetarian diet is rejected in this controversial yet authoritative critique of how we have been mislead over how food and drugs affect our coronary health. Here, for the first time, is the invaluable guide for anyone who though there was a miracle cure for heart disease, "The Great Cholesterol Con" is a fascinating breakthrough that will set dynamite under the whole area.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Great Cholesterol Con: The Truth About What Really Causes Heart Disease and How to Avoid It

Introduction

"The Great Cholesterol Con" by Malcolm Kendrick is a groundbreaking book that challenges the widely accepted belief that high cholesterol levels cause heart disease. Kendrick, a GP with extensive experience in the medical field, offers a comprehensive critique of the cholesterol hypothesis and exposes the profit-driven motives behind the widespread prescription of statins. In this article, we will delve into the book's main arguments and analyze readers' opinions to determine whether it is a recommended read or not.

About Malcolm Kendrick

Malcolm Kendrick is a General Practitioner with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He has written extensively on various health-related topics and is known for his critical approach to conventional medical wisdom. Kendrick's expertise and passion for uncovering the truth make him an authoritative voice in the field of health and wellness.

Analysis of Views

The Cholesterol Hypothesis is Disproven: Many readers praise the book for its convincing argument against the cholesterol hypothesis. They believe that high cholesterol levels do not cause heart disease, and a high-fat diet does not affect blood cholesterol levels. This perspective challenges the widely accepted notion that lowering cholesterol levels is essential for preventing heart disease.
Saturated Fats are Not Damaging: Another point that resonates with readers is Kendrick's assertion that saturated fats are not harmful. This view contradicts the long-standing belief that saturated fats contribute to heart disease. Readers appreciate the author's thorough research and compelling evidence supporting this claim.
Statins Offer Little Protection Against Heart Disease: The book highlights the limited effectiveness of statins in preventing heart disease. Readers find this argument convincing, as it challenges the widespread belief that statins are a miracle drug capable of protecting against various health issues. They appreciate the author's critical examination of the pharmaceutical industry's profit-driven motives behind promoting statins.
The Concept of Good and Bad Cholesterol is Ridiculous: Kendrick's critique of the concept of "good" and "bad" cholesterol resonates with readers. They find it absurd that there is a focus on specific cholesterol levels rather than addressing underlying factors contributing to heart disease. This perspective encourages readers to reconsider their understanding of cholesterol and its role in overall health.
Statin Drugs are Profitable and Misleading: Readers appreciate Kendrick's exposé of the pharmaceutical industry's profiteering from statins. They find it concerning that statins have become the most profitable drug in medical history, with billions of pounds spent on unnecessary prescriptions. This revelation raises questions about the motives behind promoting statins as a panacea for heart disease prevention.

Reasons for Recommendation

Comprehensive Debunking of Assumptions: Readers recommend "The Great Cholesterol Con" for its comprehensive debunking of common assumptions about cholesterol, diet, and heart disease. The book challenges conventional wisdom and provides a fresh perspective on how to approach heart disease prevention.
Well-Researched and Thoroughly Documented: Many readers praise Kendrick's extensive research and thorough documentation of his arguments. They appreciate the inclusion of references from peer-reviewed studies, which adds credibility to his claims and allows readers to explore further if they wish.
Accessible and Engaging Writing Style: The book's engaging writing style, coupled with its accessible language, makes it an enjoyable read for readers interested in health and wellness topics. Kendrick's use of humor and wit adds a lighthearted touch to what could otherwise be a dense and technical subject matter.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Conclusion Clarity: Some readers express disappointment with the book's conclusion, which they find unclear or unsatisfying. They feel that the final chapter could have been better structured or presented, as it detracts from the overall impact of the book.
Outdated Studies: A few readers mention that some studies cited in the book are outdated, making them less relevant to contemporary medical research. While Kendrick acknowledges this limitation, some readers feel that it diminishes the credibility of his arguments.

Conclusion

"The Great Cholesterol Con" by Malcolm Kendrick challenges conventional wisdom by presenting a compelling case against the cholesterol hypothesis and statins as a solution for heart disease prevention. Readers appreciate the author's thorough research, accessible writing style, and ability to debunk commonly held beliefs about cholesterol, diet, and heart health. However, some readers express concerns about the book's conclusion and outdated studies cited within its pages. Overall, "The Great Cholesterol Con" offers an intriguing perspective on heart disease prevention and encourages readers to reconsider their understanding of this complex topic.