There's a lot of talk about lowering cholesterol levels with the help of drugs. Someone even said we should add the drugs to our drinking water to make sure we all got the necessary dose everyday.

Well, you might think that is a good idea, but I certainly do not. It may well be a good idea to get your cholesterol down if it is too high, but for most of us it just won't wash. I wonder how much influence the drug giants have on the media and the doctors. Are we being brainwashed into thinking very low cholesterol is the preferred aim?

Anyway, maybe we need some cholesterol to stay alive and healthy. Here's a short list of what cholesterol does for each and every one of us, and that includes you!

1. Every one of your cells needs cholesterol to make it waterproof

2. When cells and tissues are damaged, cholesterol helps repair them - its in scars too.

3. Cholesterol is a powerful antioxidant limiting damage caused by free radicals.

4. Cell membranes contain cholesterol.

5. Without cholesterol, your memory would be faulty and your brain wouldn't function properly. Cholesterol makes you feel serene.

6. Bile, the substance that helps you digest dietary fat has got cholesterol in it.

7. Many of your hormones need cholesterol to be formed properly - including sex hormones such as testosterone and progesterone, and hormones that control stress.

8. Cholesterol is involved in controlling inflammation all around your body, so preventing diseases from taking hold.

9. Cholesterol is involved in very important vitamin D production in your skin with the help of sunlight.

10. Your liver makes up to 1,000 mg of cholesterol a day for you, so you can survive and thrive.

So you see, that getting your cholesterol down below a certain level might just make you ill. Worse than having average or slightly above average levels, without taking a drug. If it gets too low, you die.