Interview: What actually causes high cholesterol? | Hei Man Chan

Interview: What actually causes high cholesterol? | Hei Man Chan

Author: TED September 23, 2025 Duration: 29:32

In 1968, the American Heart Association made an announcement that would influence people’s diets for decades: they recommended that people avoid eating more than three eggs a week. Their reasoning was that the cholesterol packed into egg yolks could increase cardiovascular disease risk. So, what exactly is cholesterol? And is it actually bad for you? Hei Man Chan digs into this complex molecule. [Directed by Igor Ćorić, Artrake Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Cem Misirlioglu].


After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute on AI, genomics, and the digital tools that are revolutionizing the way we prevent, detect, and treat illness—including heart disease.


Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Curiosity about our own bodies and minds often starts with a simple, surprising question. TED Health, hosted by physician Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, turns those questions into a compelling exploration. This isn't just a summary of health tips; it's a deep dive into the ideas reshaping our understanding of well-being. You'll hear from leading TED speakers who are doctors, researchers, and thinkers, unpacking everything from the profound neurological effects of a daily walk to the emerging potential of psychedelic therapy for mental illness. Each episode is built on a foundation of rigorous science and accessible storytelling, moving beyond headlines to the nuanced realities of medical breakthroughs and everyday habits. The conversations in this podcast challenge assumptions and connect disparate fields, offering perspectives on longevity, mental fitness, and preventative care that you likely haven't encountered before. It’s for anyone who wants to understand the 'why' and the 'how' behind living a healthier life, providing not just answers but better frameworks for thinking about your own health. The discussions are grounded yet forward-looking, always aiming to translate complex concepts into meaningful, actionable understanding. Listening feels like having a direct line to the cutting edge of medical and wellness research, all filtered through Dr. Ungerleider's insightful and thoughtful guidance.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

TED Health
Podcast Episodes
The secrets to aging well with Zeke Emanuel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:52
When has healthcare advice become so complicated? And how should we be thinking about long-term wellness? Zeke Emanuel is an oncologist and bioethnicist whose latest book, Eat Your Ice Cream, might sound paradoxical agai…
A future without food poisoning? with Emma Bryce and Nicola Twilley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:33
Food is supposed to nourish us, but what happens when it sends us to the hospital instead? In this episode, Emma Bryce asks whether it is safe to eat cookie dough. Then Nicola Twilley shares how the kitchen refrigerator…
How our changing DNA keeps us alive | Linda Chelico [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:58
DNA carries the code for carrying out biological life, yet DNA is an unstable molecule. The reality is that DNA in all organisms is in a dynamic state with its environment, constantly becoming damaged and undergoing proc…
Interview: The future of gene sequencing with Dr. Eric Green [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:06
Eric Green is a genomic researcher whose work with the Human Genome Project on mapping and sequencing DNA has revolutionized the medical field. From sampling patients’ DNA through blood tests to screen for diseases to id…