Health Benefits of Cholesterol

The Truth About Cholesterol

Oct 14, 2008

Cholesterol has been blamed for heart disease, but evidence shows other factors may be involved.

Cholesterol is a fatty biologically active molecule found in every cell of the human body.

It is an essential component of cell membranes, steroids, vitamin D, and bile acids (substances needed for dietary fat digestion and absorption).

As a cellular structural component, it provides stability, preventing the cell's contents from leaking out, mediates nutrient and gas exchange, and protects cells against temperature changes. A major component of myelin sheath, it insulates nerves from the surrounding tissues Because of these key functions, a steady supply of daily cholesterol is vital. The liver manufactures 1,000 mg - 2,000 mg of new cholesterol everyday- almost 80% of our daily requirement - only about 15 % -20% comes from dietary sources, so persons who exclude cholesterol -rich foods (eggs, full-fat dairy and dairy products,animal fat, or animal flesh etc.) still

Phytosterols versus cholesterol

By comparison, plants synthesize phytosterols. Phytosterols compete and displace animal cholesterol for absorption sites, resulting in reduced serum cholesterol levels. Also, the liver makes less cholesterol leading to improved serum cholesterol profiles.

Cholesterol transport in the body

Because cholesterol is water insoluble, it requires special "carriers" called "lipoproteins"so it can be carried in the blood and used by the cells. These fat transporters are molecules whose activitivites are influenced by special adaptations and mechanisms. Water insolubility also makes cholesterol susceptible to calculi formation such as gallstones, and plaque accumulation within the walls of coronary arteries.

The 2001 Global Opinion and Awareness of Cholesterol (GOAL) Survey claims high serum cholesterol affects 44 % of adult Canadians - a conservative estimate since many have high blood cholesterol levels and don't know it. The higher the value, the higher the risk for heart disease and death; so knowing the factors that affects serum cholesterol is paramount. Dietary cholesterol has been blamedfor heart disease for decades. New evidence shows heart disease is influenced by genetic inheritance, age, gender, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, low serum antioxidant levels, elevated levels of inflammatory substances, and other factors.

Cholesterol is not the villain it's purported to be, but like all substances needed by the body, it must be present in precise values to confer health benefits.

The copyright of the article Health Benefits of Cholesterol in Healthcare Research is owned by Alicia Richardson. Permission to republish Health Benefits of Cholesterol in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.