What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol forms a part of a family of chemicals called steroids; it is an essential chemical for an individual’s health and wellbeing, and it has many functions. Cholesterol occurs naturally in the body, consequently, it is found in almost all the tissues in the body. A healthy body contains around 150g of cholesterol. Approximately 25% of the body’s total cholesterol is located in the cell membrane of the nervous system where cholesterol is a major component of the fatty sheaths that protect the nerves.

Sex hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone are aided in their formation by cholesterol. The latter is also responsible for the synthesis of cortisol, and the precursor for vitamin D.

Owing to the waxy nature of cholesterol, and the fact that it is insoluble, it is important for the body not to contain too much cholesterol. The composition of cholesterol can make it difficult to remove it from the body.

LDL and HDL Cholesterol

Causes of High Cholesterol – Too Many LDLs

The good news is that cholesterol does not have to present a problem to an individual’s health and wellbeing. According to research one of the main reasons for having high levels of cholesterol is due to one’s diet. It has been concluded that the body cannot cope with large amounts of saturated fats, refined sugars and starches. The continuing circulation of these substances cause free radicals to circulate in the body which in turn damage the cells, and cause problems with the metabolism of fats in the blood.

It is essential to note that both LDLs and HDLs are required by the body, however, they need to be of the correct balance. Research by medical practitioners has shown unfortunately, that some people are genetically predisposed to producing excess lipids which remain concentrated in their blood stream. For this reason, it is important to check one’s family history in order to determine whether high cholesterol runs in the family.

There is also increasing evidence to suggest that a poor lifestyle also plays a role in the accumulation of too much cholesterol in the blood. Smoking, obesity and a diet which contains insufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables can also contribute to high cholesterol.

Cholesterol, Heart Disease and Diabetes

High blood cholesterol has been identified by medical practitioners as one of the major factors for heart disease. Too much cholesterol can cause plaque to form in the arteries; this leads to atherosclerosis which damages the heart.

Diabetics often have abnormally high levels of triglycerides in their blood. Normal levels of insulin are required to ensure that the body can maintain correct amounts of the enzyme LPL (lipoprotein lipase). Both are needed to balance triglycerides in the blood. In diabetics insulin levels are not normal which can result in high levels of triglycerides. Unfortunately, when triglyceride levels increase, they interact negatively with LDL and HDL cholesterol which can trigger heart disease.

Keeping Cholesterol Under Control

There is scientific and medical evidence to suggest that antioxidants such as vitamin E may help to protect against an increase in high levels of cholesterol. Supplements may be taken, nonetheless, vitamin E can also be obtained by including vitamin E rich foods in one’s diet. Avocados contain ‘good fats,’ they are high in fibre, and rich in vitamin E. Other fresh fruit and vegetables should be consumed because they contain nutrients which can protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals.

In short, regardless of your genetic makeup, in order to keep your cholesterol levels under control, it is advisable to include in your diet fruit, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and nuts, whilst aiming to reduce saturated fats and simple carbohydrates.

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