It’s time to get serious…
First, what is Cholesterol?
One of the most important and most powerful molecules found in your body is this waxy substance called cholesterol. Produced in the liver, it is found in every cell in your body and despite what you may have heard, it is vitally important for your health and your very existence! Cholesterol is so important that the liver can make all that a person needs. Your liver produces the vast majority, approximately 80%, of the cholesterol found in your body. It is not necessary to and your body is not dependent on you ingesting it. In fact, eating cholesterol has little effect on the levels of cholesterol in your body.
Benefits of Cholesterol include:
- Production of Vitamin D: When sunlight hits your bare skin, Cholesterol is converted into Vitamin D. Without enough cholesterol, you will not be able to generate sufficient levels of vitamin D.
- The health and well-being of our cell membranes: Cholesterol is the main building block in the creation of new cells and the replacement of damaged cells. Additionally, it is responsible maintaining the cell walls as well as fluidity for communication and transportation of substances. If you have damaged cells, your liver will produce more cholesterol and release it into your bloodstream.
- Production of hormones: Cholesterol is integral for the production of major hormones that regulate stress, energy and especially reproductive hormones.
- Development of the brain and cognitive function: Generally speaking, the brain holds about 25% of the body’s cholesterol. Cholesterol serves as insulation for nerve cells and is critical for synapse formation, which allows you to think, learn new things, and form memories. Low cholesterol has been linked to memory loss, depression and violent behavior and suicidal tendencies.
- Production of bile acids: Cholesterol produces bile that helps us metabolize fats in our diet.
- Enhances the immune system while fighting infection: When a blood vessel is injured and inflamed, your body responds by sending cholesterol to cover the area like a scab thus preventing further damage. The body sends HDL to fight toxins and act as a healing agent for the body.
And statistics show that most heart attack victims have “normal’ cholesterol ranges. Now isn’t that comforting…
So if cholesterol is so good for the body, why has it gotten such a bad rap?
The answer: Plaque
Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, a build-up of plaque up along arterial walls diminishes the elasticity of the artery and constricts the space available for blood to flow. This condition, known as Atherosclerosis, can increase your risk for having a heart attack or stroke and is why cholesterol has developed such a bad name.
What happens to cause the build-up of plaque?
Inflammation in the arteries signals the liver to produce cholesterol and send it to the site of the injury as a “band aid” to prevent further damage. As cholesterol is a fatty molecule, it can’t travel through the blood alone. Rather it must be combined with a lipoprotein in order to travel the blood stream. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) leaves the liver to perform the many functions noted above. It is also LDL that is the most involved in damaging arterial walls and has been dubbed as the bad cholesterol. However, there is more to the story. There are many different types of LDL particles. The large, fluffy LDL particles generally are not harmful and travel through blood vessels with ease. Then there are small, dense LDL particles which can squeeze through the lining of your arteries and if they oxidize, can cause damage and inflammation leading to plaque build-up.
Most experts agree that High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) heals the damaged vessel walls by removing plaque and towing the spent or oxidized LDL particles back to the liver for reprocessing. (You heard that correctly. Your liver recycles the spent LDL particles.) HDL is thus considered the good cholesterol and this is what your doctor is looking for when he does a standard lipid panel blood test.
What does this mean for you?
You need to be your own patient advocate. If your doctor tells you that he is concerned about your cholesterol levels, check the facts and do some research on the subject.
Keep in mind that it is the small LDL particles that can squeeze through artery walls and causing damage. Have your doctor check the particle size through an advanced lipoprotein test.
Remember that cholesterol acts to calm inflammation and heal damaged areas. Higher than normal levels of cholesterol may mean that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
Additional Reading:
Cholesterol Myth – Inflammation is the Real Enemy The Truth About Cholesterol And Statins The Great Cholesterol Myth High Cholesterol on a Ketogenic diet
The Cholesterol Myth That Is Harming Your Health
Cholesterol Isn’t the Problem in Heart Disease; Inflammation Is
LDL (Bad) Cholesterol May Not Be So Bad After All – What You Need to Know…
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