Is There Good and Bad Cholesterol?
ByKristy Haugen
Many classify cholesterol as good and bad.
This is not true. Cholesterol is simply cholesterol.
When thinking of good and bad, many are referring
to HDL’s and LDL’s. HDL refers to high density
lipoprotein while LDL refers to low density
lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are merely cholesterol
carriers. Lipoproteins are part lipid (fats)
and part protein. The reason for this structure
is proteins are soluble in water whereas fats
are insoluble in water. The protein portion
is used to transport the lipids through the
blood. Since blood is comprised mostly of
water, the lipid portion would not travel
without the protein portion.
HDL’s consist of about half protein
and half lipid; whereas LDL’s are about
a quarter protein and three quarters lipid.
The function of the HDL is to bring cholesterol
to the liver for recycling or elimination.
Low density lipoproteins transport cholesterol
to the rest of the body for building tissues.
Cholesterol by chemical structure is
an alcohol, because of the hydroxyl group
(OH). Remember, ethanol (found in alcoholic
beverages and gasoline) is also an alcohol
but a much smaller alcohol. Cholesterol
contains a four ring region that is characteristic
of all steroid hormones (estrogen and
testosterone). However, combination of
the steroid ring structure and the hydroxyl
group classify cholesterol as a sterol.
Cholesterol has many functions. Cholesterol
is the precursor to all steroid hormones
produced in the body. This includes mineralcorticoids,
glucocorticoids, and the sex hormones.
Cholesterol is found in every cell. Cholesterol
regulates the cell membranes fluidity.
This prevents the cell from becoming too
rigid or too fluid. Cholesterol helps
keep the cell membranes intact. Cholesterol
helps to build strong bones and muscles,
and maintains libido and fertility. Cholesterol
assists in regulating the blood sugar.
Cholesterol helps to protect against infectious
disease and repairs damaged tissue. Cholesterol
is required to form vitamin D.
Cholesterol is a component of lipid rafts,
this helps to secure proteins involved
in cell signaling. When sleeping at night,
our brain synthesizes cholesterol to benefit
our mood and increase our memory. Cholesterol
supports the nervous system, in which
cholesterol is a vital component of the
myelin sheath. The myelin sheath allows
neurons to conduct impulses with each
other. Cholesterol has been found to be
the rate limiting factor found in the
formation of synapses, this formation
is necessary for learning and the formation
of memories.
Cholesterol is used by the liver to synthesize
bile acids. The liver makes about two
grams of cholesterol daily. However, under
stressful conditions the production of
cholesterol increases to produce more
adrenal and stress hormones. Bile acids
are secreted into the small intestine
to emulsify fats, aiding in digestion.
Many studies cannot correlate eating
foods containing cholesterol with an increase
in blood cholesterol. Eating a diet high
in meat and fat does not necessarily indicate
heart disease. For example, the Eskimos
live on a diet rich in meat and fat. The
Eskimos have low cholesterol levels. Many
populations that consume a high percentage
of animal fats have less heart disease.
Why? Animal fats are more resistant to
oxidative damage. Many do not realize
that cholesterol plaques are often there
to protect a damaged artery. Many need
to understand that a clogged artery is
better than a ruptured one. Although elevated
cholesterol levels are associated with
heart disease, cholesterol may not be
the cause.
If cholesterol is not the cause of heart
disease, what are the causes? Many factors
may contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease can be associated with deficiencies
in a few minerals (copper, zinc, magnesium).
Toxicity in calcium can assist in hardening
of the artery walls. Increased homocysteine
(amino acid found in vitamins b6 and folic
acid) levels are a factor in heart disease.
Deficiencies of vitamin C and the amino
acid lysine cause decreased collagen synthesis.
Also, hypothyroidism is associated with
heart disease. Certain types of infections
and inflammations are related to heart
disease (dental infections). High blood
pressure can lead to heart disease. Smoking,
diabetes, obesity, caffeine, and a sedentary
lifestyle increase the risk of heart disease.
Finally, genetic factors play a part in
heart disease. Any oxidative damage from
vegetable oils contributes to heart disease.
Hydrogenated fats found in margarine,
dressings, fried foods contribute to heart
disease. Hydrogenation produces trans-fatty
acids. These are non-naturally occurring
fatty acids that contribute to inflammation,
one of the causes of heart disease.
Cholesterol has a bad reputation and
many misunderstand. The truth to the importance
of cholesterol is simply not widespread
enough. Cholesterol’s role in heart disease
cannot be linked. When understanding what
may cause heart disease, total cholesterol
is not as important as the ratio of HDL’s
to LDL’s. This organic compound is essential
for life as we know it.
Kristy Haugen is a mother working to
finish her second bachelor degree in Chemical
Engineering. She is also a Licensed Practical
Nurse with a current bachelor degree in
Biology and Chemistry. She writes to quench
her thirst for knowledge. Read more articles
at http://www.vitaminmaniac.com
in the 'Health Article' section.
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