Cholesterol, We Can't Live Without ItCholesterol is one of the body's main fats and is critical to a healthy body. There is an abundance of cholesterol in the body, and life is impossible without it. Every membrane on every cell in our body contains cholesterol. A fatty double-lipid bilayer made of cholesterol is present on every cell wall. It helps to regulate the proper level of fluid, and helps to maintain cell ridigity and stability. Cholesterol is also important in the production of hormones that are essential for regulating almost every process in our body. To so many of us, cholesterol is an enemy, but we also can't live without it. Approximately 1000 mg of cholesterol is made everyday by our liver. Cells in the lining of the small intestines and other individual cells can also manufacture cholesterol. There are two types of cholesterol. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is known as the good cholesterol. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein is known as the bad cholesterol. HDL is responsible for taking cholesterol back to the liver for reprocessing. It helps to prevent conditions such as atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular illnesses, because of its role. Too much LDL, on the other hand, is the cause of hardening of the arteries and plaque build up. Many of us have a fear of cholesterol, but the fact is, it is the proportion of HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol that affects our cardiovascular health. If we can raise our HDL-cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, or prescription medication, and lower our LDL - cholesterol at the same time, prevention of serious deadly illnesses is possible. |