Cholesterol: Role and Function
This is a topic that gets a lot of negative press. However, not many people know that cholesterol is not always harmful. It really is something the body needs. The body produces cholesterol and then uses it to perform various bodily functions.
With the help of lipoproteins, the liver produces cholesterol, both HDL (high density lipoprotein or good cholesterol) and LDL (low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol). The human body needs cholesterol to build cell membranes, as well as naturally produce vitamin D and hormones.
Cholesterol is also needed to make bile, stomach acid is used for digestion and ultimately preventing the excess LDL cholesterol to accumulate in the blood.
Cell membranes need cholesterol in order to achieve permeability and fluidity. Besides being used by the body to build cell membranes, cholesterol is also used to insulate nerve fibers and produce hormones including sex hormones, steroid hormones and adrenal corticosteroids. Cholesterol is also essential in the natural production of vitamin D, a vitamin needed to maintain bone health and immune system.
Where does cholesterol?
Cholesterol is produced in the liver. On average, the liver produces about 1,000 mg of cholesterol per day. Nearly 800 mg of this amount is used by the body to produce bile salts. The liver is also responsible for removing cholesterol from the blood. Cholesterol can also be derived from food such as dairy products, fish, poultry and beef.
The normal level of cholesterol is about 200 mg / dL. Hypercholesterolemia occurs when cholesterol levels exceed the amount of 240 mg / dL. The normal level of HDL cholesterol is 40 mg / dL and 50 mg / dL, while the normal level of LDL cholesterol is 100 mg / dL. Excess cholesterol is deposited in the arteries that can cause a condition called atherosclerosis. Cholesterol deposits in arteries can block blood flow to and from the arteries, which can cause a stroke or heart disease. To maintain a healthy heart, it is recommended to follow a diet low in foods containing cholesterol.
• Reduce alcohol consumption. Limítalo to 2 drinks per day. Do not drink too much without stopping.
• Avoid smoking, as doing so would only aid the LDL cholesterol into the cells causing damage.
• Make regular physical activity at least 3 times a week. You can also do a brisk walk for 30 minutes every day. Physical activity stimulates the levels of HDL and lowers LDL levels.
• Try to eliminate excess body fat. Obesity or overweight can increase LDL levels.
• If you are diabetic, check your levels of blood glucose. High levels of glucose in the blood increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
credit to: Albert
Source: www.articuloz.com/salud-y-ejercicio-articulos/colesterol-rol-y-funcion-2949592.html
image source: http://nutrition-and-physical-regeneration.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/cholesterol.JPG