New Delhi, Aug 23, 2025
For decades, cholesterol has been portrayed as the chief villain behind heart disease. But cardiologist Dr. Alok Chopra, Founder-Director and Consultant Cardiologist at Delhi’s prestigious Aashlok Hospital since 1985, argues otherwise. In a recent interview with Manika Raikwar on Your Health DeKoded, he dismantled one of the biggest myths in modern medicine — that cholesterol is the root cause of heart problems.

Cholesterol: Wrongfully Dubbed a Disease

When asked about the biggest misconception surrounding cholesterol, Dr. Chopra was quick to point out that it has been unfairly classified as a “disease.” He attributes this to the influence of big pharmaceutical companies that, according to him, benefit from keeping people dependent on lifelong medication. “Who created that disease? Big pharmas. They wanted you to remain sick. If you remain sick, you'll get more medicines. More medicines means they'll make more money,” he explained.

He further highlighted that nearly 85% of cholesterol is produced naturally in the body. Far from being harmful, it plays a crucial role in keeping us healthy. Dr. Chopra explained that cholesterol has at least 10 major functions, including maintaining the rigidity of arteries and reducing inflammation during illness. Instead of being the enemy, cholesterol acts as a protective mechanism in the body.

The Real Culprit: Poor Food and Lifestyle Choices

According to Dr. Chopra, the actual cause of heart problems lies not in cholesterol itself but in poor dietary habits and lifestyle choices. He describes cholesterol as a “band-aid” that covers up the damage caused by repeated consumption of unhealthy foods.

When people indulge in what he calls “nonsense eating,” it causes inflammation within the body. This inflammation leads to plaque formation inside the arteries. Cholesterol then attempts to cover these inflamed areas, which, over time, results in clogged arteries and eventually heart disease. In short, cholesterol is not the culprit—it’s simply responding to the real problem: poor food and lifestyle decisions.

Food Recommendations for Heart Health

Dr. Chopra also offered practical advice on diet and eating patterns. He suggests having just two meals a day:

A heavy brunch in the morning with eggs, green leafy vegetables, and even a cup of bullet coffee.

A lighter evening meal with similar items but in smaller quantities.

If hunger strikes between meals, he recommends healthy snacks such as nuts, soup, or salad instead of heavy or processed foods. Fruits, he advises, should be eaten after meals rather than on an empty stomach, as fructose is processed by the liver and can be harder to metabolize.

He stresses the importance of aligning eating habits with the body’s natural clock, giving a gap of at least two hours before bedtime, and focusing on a diet rich in vegetables, grains, and minimal non-vegetarian foods.

The Bottom Line

Dr. Chopra’s perspective reframes the way we think about cholesterol. It is not the enemy of heart health but rather a misunderstood player trying to protect the body. The real battle is against poor diet and lifestyle choices that fuel inflammation and, over time, heart disease.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding any health concerns.