Cholesterol is a Jackal and Hyde compound that we can best do without but unfortunately our bodies needs it to maintain various processes, e.g. cell membranes. The 'good' Jackal cholesterol helps the body produces sex and adrenal hormones and vitamin D. While the 'bad' Hyde cholesterol plays a different job entirely in helping in the clogging of arteries and thus contributing to heart disease and stroke.
So, what is Cholesterol? Well, it is known as a steroid alcohol sterol produced by the liver and is a solid compound found in our blood and cells. It is a waxy, fatlike substance and is also known as a lipid. This means that it can not dissolve in water.
Cholesterol has a awful reputation in our body's blood stream for one sort of disorder, the reduction of arterial wall diameters through deposits, known as plaques that eventually restrict the flow of blood. This disorder is known as atherosclerosis. If atherosclerosis has occurred clotting of the blood takes place leading to a heart attack or stroke.
The body unsurprisingly synthesizes cholesterol in the liver for purposes as mentioned earlier, so it does not help if we introduce additional cholesterol into our blood stream from our dietary habits. This can occur from a cholesterol-rich diet of dairy products and meats. These types of food could lead to abnormally high levels of cholesterol and you are more likely to develop atherosclerosis as a consequence.
Because cholesterol is a lipid and will not dissolve in water it has to be carried through our blood stream as part of a complex protein module. The following list descriptions the three forms of cholesterol carriers.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL): Retards atherosclerosis Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): Promotes atherosclerosis Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL): Promotes atherosclerosis
Therefore anybody who has abnormally high levels of LDL and VLDL cholesterol can decrease their risk of developing atherosclerosis and subsequent risks to heart attacks and stroke by having a lower cholesterol level. This can be done by undertaking a low in cholesterol and saturated fat diet and getting plenty of exercise. Although drug therapy can also inhibit cholesterol production it may well come at a high price, depending on side effects and dependency.
Finally, cholesterol has an altogether interesting sideline in providing a protective lubricant for hair and skin by being secreted through our skin oil glands. In fact, raw sheep's wool which is mostly composed of cholesterol esters has a variety of commercially uses in lubricants, leather preservatives, ointments, and cosmetics.
So, what is Cholesterol? Well, it is known as a steroid alcohol sterol produced by the liver and is a solid compound found in our blood and cells. It is a waxy, fatlike substance and is also known as a lipid. This means that it can not dissolve in water.
Cholesterol has a awful reputation in our body's blood stream for one sort of disorder, the reduction of arterial wall diameters through deposits, known as plaques that eventually restrict the flow of blood. This disorder is known as atherosclerosis. If atherosclerosis has occurred clotting of the blood takes place leading to a heart attack or stroke.
The body unsurprisingly synthesizes cholesterol in the liver for purposes as mentioned earlier, so it does not help if we introduce additional cholesterol into our blood stream from our dietary habits. This can occur from a cholesterol-rich diet of dairy products and meats. These types of food could lead to abnormally high levels of cholesterol and you are more likely to develop atherosclerosis as a consequence.
Because cholesterol is a lipid and will not dissolve in water it has to be carried through our blood stream as part of a complex protein module. The following list descriptions the three forms of cholesterol carriers.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL): Retards atherosclerosis Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): Promotes atherosclerosis Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL): Promotes atherosclerosis
Therefore anybody who has abnormally high levels of LDL and VLDL cholesterol can decrease their risk of developing atherosclerosis and subsequent risks to heart attacks and stroke by having a lower cholesterol level. This can be done by undertaking a low in cholesterol and saturated fat diet and getting plenty of exercise. Although drug therapy can also inhibit cholesterol production it may well come at a high price, depending on side effects and dependency.
Finally, cholesterol has an altogether interesting sideline in providing a protective lubricant for hair and skin by being secreted through our skin oil glands. In fact, raw sheep's wool which is mostly composed of cholesterol esters has a variety of commercially uses in lubricants, leather preservatives, ointments, and cosmetics.
About the Author:
Steve Campbell has an interest in naturally remedies for health care, so please visit: lower cholesterol to help you learn more about foods to lowering your cholesterol. And get immediate access to my FREE email cholesterol mini-course, Natually Lower Cholesterol. It is designed to teach you 10 cholesterol-busting secrets.
