Understanding cholesterol

Understanding cholesterol 

What is cholesterol? 

Cholesterol is a structural component of all cell membranes, is a precursor to a wide variety of hormones and bile acids responsible for solubilizing fats in the intestine, is also necessary for vitamin D metabolism and is essential for the health of bones, among other functions. 

Where does cholesterol come from? 

Most of the cholesterol in the body is synthesized (created) by the organism in the liver and is also obtained from the diet by animal fat in small amounts. 

However, research has revealed that blood cholesterol levels are more related to the consumption of unhealthy fat: saturated fat and trans-fat than with the total consumption of high cholesterol foods. 

Types of cholesterol 

Cholesterol is transported by the vascular system as part of lipoproteins, there are two main types of cholesterol in the bloodstream: 

1. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). 

Cholesterol (LDL) commonly known as "bad" cholesterol, can accumulate in the walls of the arteries, which causes them to harden and narrow. If fatty deposits in the arteries are torn or ruptured, a blood clot can be formed and therefore block the blood flow which can cause a stroke, if this affects a heart’s artery it could cause a heart attack, if it goes to a part of the brain instead it could cause a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). 

2. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). 

Cholesterol (HDL) commonly known as "good" cholesterol, picks up excess cholesterol in the bloodstream and takes it back to the liver to be recycled or excreted (it works like a broom that cleanses excess cholesterol from arteries). 

Written by:

Roxana Sanchez

Dietitian - Nutritionist

Posted on September 2019

References

Hernandez, A. G. (2010). Nutrition Treaty Volume I Physiological and Biochemical Bases of Nutrition. Madrid: Pan-American Medical Editorial.

Mahan, K, Scott-Stump, S, & Raymond, J. (2013). Krause Diet Therapy. Barcelona: Elsevier.

Yeon Lim, M, Benyon, S, & O'Neale Roach, J. (2013). The essential in metabolism and nutrition. Barcelona: Elsavier.