Cholesterol – Friend & Foe
We Absolutely Need Cholesterol
Cholesterol has important functions in our body. There is so much focus on the bad aspects of cholesterol, (mainly LDL), and the risks of having high levels; that we forget the very important role cholesterol plays in maintain a healthy, functioning body. Truth is, we could not live without cholesterol.
Cholesterol’s Function in Our Body :
- It is an important structural and functional component of all cells
- Cholesterol is found in membranes that surround the cell
- It is an important structural component of Myelin Sheath
- Myelin Sheath insulates our nervous system, facilitating electrical impulses between nerve cells
- It is needed to transport fat in the blood stream
- It is used to form vitamin D
- Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the body. Vitamin D is made in our skin in response to sun light; hence cells in the skin make it when we are outside in the sunshine
- It is a precursor for bile acids
- Bile acids aid in the digestion of fat in our intestines
- It is used to make steroid hormones
- Including testosterone, estrogen, androgen, progesterone, and cortisol
Cholesterol’s Transport Vehicles (HDL & LDL)
The function of the bad cholesterol – LDL, (low-density lipoprotein), is to move triglycerides and cholesterol to adipose tissue (fat cells) and other tissues.
The function of the good cholesterol – HDL, (high-density lipoprotein), is to remove cholesterol from the circulation and deliver it to the liver.
The Problem with LDL:
High levels of LDL can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries.
- The reason LDL is called bad is that there is a correlation between high levels of LDL and atherosclerosis (vascular disease), in which blood is no longer able to flow through the arteries. If you have high levels of LDL you are at increased risk for a heart attack and stroke.
Where We Get Cholesterol:
The liver makes most of the body’s cholesterol, but all cells (except red blood cells) are able to make cholesterol.
- We also get cholesterol from animal products in our diet.
- Cholesterol is high in animal fat, dairy foods, and eggs
- We do not get cholesterol from plant foods; such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, since plants do not make cholesterol
How to keep LDL low and HDL high:
- Lower the amount of cholesterol that we eat
- Plants do not contain cholesterol and a diet high in plant food will aid in reducing cholesterol.
- If you are overweight; decrease your intake of carbohydrates
- Extra carbohydrates are converted into triglyceride (fat) in the liver. This fat is transported in LDL particles to other tissue (see above). For LDL particles to be formed, cholesterol is needed, and therefore the liver makes cholesterol for this purpose.
- Get rid of cholesterol already in your body
- Certain foods limit the reabsorption of cholesterol and bile acids in the intestine, so including them in your diet will reduce your cholesterol levels:
- Cereals containing oat grain, such as oatmeal and Cheerios
- Certain foods limit the reabsorption of cholesterol and bile acids in the intestine, so including them in your diet will reduce your cholesterol levels: