Cholesterol - All about cholesterol

What is cholesterol?

How many are still asking the question? Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is found in greater quantities in animals including man as in all other life forms. It has two origins: the diet and biosynthesis, primarily by the liver.

It is present in all cells and its rate, when too high can cause health problems very serious or even fatal. Obese people, smokers, alcoholics and menopausal women are considered more risky, but we find poorly controlled cholesterol in children younger and younger.

Cholesterol is found in two forms. The free form, ie it is associated with nothing else and the esterified form when linked to a fatty acid to form Steroids. Its low hydrophilic character who found himself in the free form is completely removed when it is linked to a fatty acid.

However cholesterol should not be considered an enemy. Humans need cholesterol because it is an essential component of our cells. In fact this is the priority component of cell membranes. The formation of the lipid layer of plasma membranes utilizes a significant portion of cholesterol. The latter also plays a role in membrane fluidity.

There can be no human life without cholesterol because it is the precursor of steroid hormones and is among others used by our body to manufacture vitamin D. It is also an essential constituent of bile.

Let us respect our cholesterol, but keep it in the eye!

The "good" and "bad" cholesterol.

In fact, cholesterol is not under two different molecules. Rather transportation systems that carry blood that have very different roles: lipoprotein (LDL small density lipoproteins) and HDL (high density lipoprotein). Hence the popular name of LDL and HDL.

HDL cholesterol recovered in the organs that have too much and relates to the liver which is responsible for its elimination. These are HDL cleans all the arteries of fatty deposits of poor quality and thus help reduce the occurrence of atherosclerotic plaque. Therefore we attribute the adjective "good" cholesterol to HDL.

LDL working in the opposite direction. This means that they deposit cholesterol on artery walls. Then begin to form slabs of fat called atheroma. Hence the title of "bad" cholesterol.

Cholesterol is one of the causative agents of atherosclerosis leading to cardiovascular disease. The excess "bad cholesterol" and the lack of "good cholesterol" are recognized as risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

There are several treatments to reduce "bad cholesterol" but exercise and healthy eating are identified as the natural solution more effective. However, some drugs have the power to increase the rate of "good" cholesterol. Think of "statins" that get extraordinary results in people heavily affected by the "bad" cholesterol.

A visit to your doctor is recommended. Have a test to know your cholesterol level and take the opportunity to inform you about "statins". The results of your tests will tell you if you use medication or if a better quality of life, a healthy diet and exercise would be sufficient.

But remember that over the report "total cholesterol / HDL is higher the cardiovascular risk is high.