Cholesterol is a waxy substance (actually a steroid) that exists in the cell membranes of all cells in mammals and gives the cells their firm consistency. It is also used by the body to produce hormones and vitamin D, as well as the bile acids that are used in order to digest fat – which is crucial as fat actually takes the longest of all food groups to digest. It is important then to realise that ‘cholesterol’ on its own is not a bad thing and is actually important for normal bodily function. As with all things, the saying ‘everything in moderation’ provides the secret to maintaining good cholesterol and it is your cholesterol levels that need to be managed to ensure good health.

Good cholesterol is known as HDL which stands for ‘High Density Lipoprotein’ which experts believe is used by the body to carry excess cholesterol away from arteries and toward the liver and also helps to remove ‘arterial plaque’. For these reasons, HDL can actually help prevent heart attacks and heart disease. Meanwhile ‘bad’ cholesterol, known as ‘LDL’ (low density cholesterol) has the opposite effect when too much LDLL circulates in the blood it eventually begins to accumulate against the inner walls of the arteries (which pump blood into the heart and brain). Along with other waste substances in the blood this can then cause the build up of the thick ‘arterial plaque’. This then causes them to narrow and become less flexible and so stupors the heart and brain’s supply of blood and oxygen. This can eventually cause a complete blockage known as a clot, which will then lead to a heart attack or stroke. The condition of narrowed inflexible arteries and high cholesterol levels is known as ‘artherosclerosis’.

Making matters more complicated still are triglycerides and Lp(a). Lp(a) is a genetic variation of LDL. Though it is not currently fully understood, it should be avoided for the same reasons as LDL and a large amount of Lp(a) can cause the premature development of fatty deposits in arteries, possibly by interacting with substances found in artery walls. Also to be taken into account with cholesterol levels are triglycerides. Triglycerides are a form of fat that’s produced by the body itself. High amounts of triglyceride can be a result of being over-weight, smoking, lack of exercise, excess alcohol or excess carbohydrates (exceeding 60% of total calories eaten). Alternatively it can be caused by genetic factors, and some individuals will create more triglycerides than others. Again, high amounts of triglycerides can cause blockages and obstructions in the arteries and are correlated with high LDL and low HDL. Triglycerides also appear to play a role in occurrences of heart disease and diabetes.

For these reasons then it is important to not only consider cholesterol levels, but also levels of particular types of cholesterol. It is also important to note the genetic element in cholesterol and triglycerides and to realise that it is not entirely a result of diet and lifestyle (though these play a highly significant role).

Mack LeMouse

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Mack LeMouse