Nutrition

Cholesterol is a liver-produced substance which is vital for the normal functioning of the body. This lipid is normally found in the first and outer layer of the cell in the human body which has a lot of functions. Cholesterol is a steroid contained and transported through the blood plasma f animals. This sterol is synthesized by all animals, and some fungi and plants also synthesize small amounts of it.

The term cholesterol is derived from the Greek word“chole” which means bile and stereos which means stiff or solid.

Functions of Cholesterol

• Cholesterol builds as well as maintains the cell membranes. It also prevents hydrocarbons from crystallization in the cell membrane for a normal blood pressure.
• It is important in the determination of which molecules will be allowed to pass to the cell membrane and of them cannot for normal cholesterol levels in the body.
• Cholesterol is involved in sex hormones production (estrogen and androgen).
• It is important for hormones production which the adrenal glands releases such as cortisol, aldosterone, corticosterone and other hormones secreted by the glands.
• Cholesterol helps in producing bile which is very important in the digestion if food.
• It converts the sunshine that is absorbed by the human body into Vitamin D.
• Cholesterol is essential in the metabolism of vitamins which are fat soluble such as Vitamins A, D, E and K.
• It also helps in the insulation of the nerve fibers.

Types of Lipoproteins

Lipoproteins are the molecules which are responsible for the transmission of cholesterol into the blood. Any compound or complex that contains both protein and fat (lipid) is called lipoprotein. Lipoproteins have three main kinds which include Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Triglycerides. These lipoproteins should be regulated for the blood pressure remains on the normal level.

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

A lot of people often know low density lipoprotein as the bad cholesterol. Low density lipoprotein is the carrier of cholesterol from its origin which is the liver to cells of the entire body. If a lot of cholesterol is carried to the cells, this can lead to the build-up of low density lipoprotein which has harmful effects to the body. This type of lipoprotein has the capacity to increase the dangers of some diseases which attacks the arteries if their levels rise. Most blood in the human body contains about 70 percent of low density lipoprotein but may vary in every individual. This lipoprotein should be regulated in order for the human body to have normal cholesterol levels and reduce the risks of cholesterol-related diseases.

Very-low-density Lipoprotein (VLDL)

Very-low-density lipoproteins are made in the liver and belong to the five fundamental groups of lipoproteins which enable cholesterol and fats to maneuver within the bloodstream solution which is water-based. This type of lipoprotein is produced cholesterol, apolipoproteins and triglycerides. When this lipoprotein is transmitted into the bloodstream, it is converted into LDL.

Intermediate-density Lipoproteins (IDL)

When very-low-density lipoproteins are degraded, it forms intermediate-density lipoprotein. Every particle of this lipoprotein is composed of proteins which encircle different types of fatty acids, enabling them to maneuver in the environment of the blood as a transport system for fats inside the body.

High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

This is what a lot of people call as the good cholesterol. A lot of experts refer high density lipoprotein as the aid in the prevention of arterial diseases. High density lipoprotein does the exact opposite of the low density lipoprotein. The cholesterol is taken away by this lipoprotein from the cells of the entire body and transmits it back to its origin which is the liver. Once the cholesterol is transmitted back into the liver, two things happen to it, either broken-down or it is expelled as waste by the human body.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides exist in the human body and in foods in its chemical forms. This type of lipoprotein occurs in the blood plasma. Plasma lipids or blood fats are produced with the combination of cholesterol and triglycerides. This lipoprotein which occurs in plasma is either originated from fats found in the food or was developed in the human body from other sources of energy like carbohydrates. Calories that are consumed by humans but aren’t utilized right away by the tissues are transformed into triglycerides which are stored in the fat cells. The lipoprotein which was stored in fat cells will be released when the human body needs the energy but no food is available as the source of energy. The released triglycerides will then beutilized as energy. This process is controlled by hormones.

What are Normal Cholesterol Levels?

Cholesterol levels in the blood vary from 3.6 mmol/liter up to 7.8 mmol/liter. According to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, cholesterol reading of more than 6.0 mmol/liter is considered high and may expose you to risk of acquiring arterial disease. It is advised that individuals should have a cholesterol level of below 5.0mmol/liter for it to be considered as normal. 

It is very important that individuals should regulate their blood pressure and maintain a normal cholesterol levels in order to prevent the dangers associated with high such as:

• Atherosclerosis– the arteries are narrowed.
• High risk of coronary heart illnesses– abnormalities in the arteries which are responsible for the supply of oxygen and blood to the heart.
• Heart attack– this happens when the area of the muscle of the heart which is responsible for the transport of oxygen ad blood is blocked. When it is blocked, the heart muscle dies due to the clot in the coronary artery.
• Angina– discomfort or pain in the chest which happens when the muscles of the heart doesn’t get enough blood supply.
• Other forms of cardiovascular conditions– illnesses affecting the blood vessels and the heart.
• Stroke– occurs when blood clots block the arteries or veins leading to the brain.

In order for you to maintain normal cholesterol levels and blood pressure, you need to have a healthy lifestyle. You should avoid consuming foods which are rich in saturated fats such as red meat, sausages, lard, hard cheese, some pies, pastry, cakes, cream and most biscuits.

Dietary cholesterol has no actual impact to the level of cholesterol levels in the human blood. This cholesterol is found in foods like sea foods, eggs and kidneys. You should exercise on a regular basis to decrease the bad cholesterol content and increase those of the good cholesterol in your body. If you smoke, it is very important that you quit the vice in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.