CHOLESTEROL

Chapter 11

                                                CHOLESTEROL

       The word cholesterol brings fear into the hearts of many people because it brings up the visions of heart attack. Let us remove this fear by understanding more about it.

       Cholesterol is a lipidic waxy alcohol which is synthesised in all cells but can also be absorbed from the food we eat. It is an essential fundamental substance in all living beings. It is not soluble in blood and hence it is transported with the blood by spherical particles called lipoproteins. A number of lipoproteins are found in the blood and are classified according to their density. The low density lipoproteins are called ‘bad cholesterol’ since they are linked to heart problems. High density lipoproteins are called ‘good cholesterol’. Our body needs one to 1.5 gm of cholesterol per day and this is easily available in our food.

       Cholesterol is required to build and maintain cell membrane. It regulates the membrane fluidity over a wide range of temperatures. The liver produces 1gm of cholesterol per day in bile. This bile which is stored in the gallbladder helps to digest fats and is important for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins, vitamin A, D, E and K. It is the main precursor of vitamin D and steroid hormones. It helps to conduct nerve impulses.

       Most of the cholesterol is synthesized in the body itself and some is obtained from the food we eat. Cholesterol is found more in the liver, brain and the spinal cord.

       The cholesterol is oxidized by the liver to produce a variety of bile acids. 95% of the bile acids are reabsorbed from the intestines and the remainder is sent out of the body with feces. This process is very important for digestion and absorption of the fats in food. The excess of cholesterol crystallizes. This is how stones are formed in the gallbladder.

       Increase of cholesterol in blood leads to heart problems due to the formation of atheroma on the walls of the arteries. Atheroma is name given to the accumulation and swelling on the walls of arteries which are made up of cells. The cholesterol level can also increase due to the presence of diseases like diabetes and an under active thyroid. Overweight persons also tend to have more cholesterol.

Deficiency of cholesterol in blood takes place when a person is sick and it can lead to depression, cancer and cerebral hemorrhage.   

Sources: Cheese, eggs, meat, human milk contain more cholesterol. There is no cholesterol in leafy vegetables and fruits unless you add other items while preparing a dish. One who wants to reduce cholesterol should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits instead of meat, eggs and saturated fats. Regular physical exercises can help reduce weight and also bad cholesterol in the blood.