Until now cholesterol levels have mostly been connected to your diet and how much you exercise. But researchers in Brazil have discovered a new, unexpected twist to the cholesterol battle.

The change of the seasons doesn’t just affect the landscape, the heating bill, or availability of fresh foods. It has a direct impact on the health of people who live in climates that change significantly.

Ignoring this study may cause you to be put on unnecessary cholesterol drugs with all the side effects and complications that come with it.

Looking at blood tests from primary care visits in Campinas, Brazil, scientists discovered that blood cholesterol levels were significantly higher in winter than they were in every other season.

A trend worldwide had already been seen that revealed an uptick in heart attack and heart disease-related deaths in cold weather months, but the study in Brazil was the first to show a link in cholesterol levels and seasonal variances.

During the colder months, people seeking treatment had an average rise in LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) of at least 8 mg/dL.

The study’s authors note that while this modest increase might not mean treatment is imminently necessary, it does underscore the fact that an annual physical doesn’t give an accurate representation of what the body is doing on average throughout the year.

Blood test results at the first of June will vary significantly from ones taken in December. You should therefore make note that if your physician is pressuring you to start a cholesterol drug regimen, try to get more information throughout the year with a second opinion and a different time frame.

It might mean the difference between needing to make simple lifestyle changes and launching into dangerous drugs that always carry risk of side effects.

No matter what season it is, cholesterol can be lowered naturally. Follow this step-by-step plan to get your cholesterol under control in less than a month…

Or discover how 3 easy exercises drop blood pressure below 120/80 as soon as today…