The term "cholesterol" is derived from Greek origins, where "chole" signifies bile, "stereos" translates to solid, and the chemical suffix "ol" denotes alcohol.
Cholesterol is initially observed in the gallbladder in solid form, accompanied by bile.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, yellowish-white lipid substance present in every cell of the body. It is essential for the hormone synthesis, vitamin D, and compounds that facilitate digestion. The body requires cholesterol for various vital functions.
Cholesterol is a vital molecule necessary for life. Every cell in the body possesses the capability to synthesize cholesterol, underscoring its significance in biological processes.
Cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of cell membranes. If it were possible to eliminate all cholesterol from the body, the physiological consequences would be severe, potentially leading to the collapse of cellular structures and functions. Such a scenario could disintegrate bodily functions, akin to a complete dissolution.
Cholesterol is essential for the body, as it can synthesize cholesterol from any substance consumed, including fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Therefore, humans do not need to ingest cholesterol to meet their physiological requirements.
9 Established Reasons for the Importance of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is neither inherently harmful nor detrimental to health. It is a vital compound necessary for the structural integrity of every cell. Furthermore, cholesterol plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of both the brain and the nervous system.
Millions of years of evolution in nature have meticulously shaped and designed our environment, providing us with everything we need with remarkable precision and compassion.
Nature provides egg yolk and milk with a significant amount of cholesterol because cholesterol is crucial for the healthy development of both the baby chick and the calf. The emergence of new life and the growth of infants necessitate the presence of cholesterol.
Vital organs such as the brain and liver are known to contain significant amounts of cholesterol. Notably, approximately 25% of the cholesterol present in the human body is located within the brain.
The brain is the most intricate organ in the human body; without it, life as we know it would not exist. On the other hand, the liver is the largest gland and performs over 500 vital functions essential for maintaining overall health. Nature has designed the most vital organs to contain significant levels of cholesterol.
Cholesterol serves several vital functions within the body, including:
- Cholesterol plays a key role in the formation and maintenance of cell membranes.
- Cholesterol plays a major part in the integrity of cell membranes within the brain and is vital for the correct functioning of neurotransmitters. A cholesterol deficiency can impair cellular communication, which in turn affects cognitive abilities and memory function.
- Cholesterol is an insulating agent for neurons; specialized cells responsible for transmitting nerve impulses.
- Cholesterol is the major player in regulating membrane fluidity across various physiological temperatures.
- Cholesterol plays a role in intracellular transport, cellular signaling, and nerve conduction.
- The liver utilizes cholesterol to synthesize bile, which is stored in the gallbladder. The digestion of fats necessitates bile acids, which emulsify fats and facilitate their absorption in the intestines.
- The liver utilizes cholesterol to synthesize fat-soluble vitamins, specifically vitamins A, D, E, and K.
- Cholesterol plays a major role in steroid hormone production, including adrenal and sex hormones. The adrenal hormones are cortisol and aldosterone, while the sex hormones include progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.
- Certain studies suggest that cholesterol may possess antioxidant properties.
Cholesterol performs several essential functions within the body. Therefore, it is important to consider its potential benefits. Elevated cholesterol levels may offer protective effects, particularly in older adults, where they can contribute to increased life expectancy, except in the case of familial hypercholesterolemia.
Conversely, low cholesterol levels can pose significant health risks, including an increased likelihood of hemorrhagic stroke and certain types of cancer.
Why does the brain need cholesterol?
Despite constituting only 2% of the body's total weight, the brain utilizes approximately 20 to 25% of the body's total cholesterol. This way, nature has unequivocally demonstrated the significance of cholesterol.
Insufficient cholesterol levels in the brain can hinder its proper formation and functioning, leading to issues with mood regulation, learning, memory, and other cognitive processes.
Does lowering blood cholesterol affect mental health?
Lowering blood cholesterol levels does not lead to mental health issues, as the brain is capable of synthesizing its cholesterol to meet its needs, independent of the cholesterol levels present in the bloodstream.
How does the body synthesize cholesterol?
Approximately 33% of blood cholesterol is derived from dietary sources, while the remaining 67% is synthesized by the body.
Fat metabolism is a multifaceted process. Dietary cholesterol makes up about one-third of the total cholesterol needed by the body, whereas the liver and other cells produce the remaining two-thirds.
Almost all cells can produce their cholesterol requirement, whereas the liver synthesizes cholesterol and releases it into the bloodstream for other cells that do not produce on its own.
Will eating cholesterol raise blood cholesterol?
The relationship between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol levels is not straightforward. While it may seem intuitive to assume that consuming cholesterol would directly increase blood cholesterol levels, research indicates this is typically not the case.
When dietary cholesterol intake decreases, the body compensates by producing more cholesterol, and conversely, it reduces production when dietary cholesterol intake is high.
Consequently, eating foods high in cholesterol has minimal to no effect on blood cholesterol levels.
Reference: Dietary cholesterol feeding suppresses human cholesterol synthesis measured by deuterium incorporation and urinary mevalonic acid levels. Publisher in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology 1996 Oct;16(10):1222-8.
The body absorbs dietary cholesterol and will incorporate it into the bloodstream only when there is a need for additional cholesterol; otherwise, the cholesterol obtained from food is excreted. Therefore, dietary cholesterol does not contribute to elevated cholesterol levels in the body.
In approximately 30% of individuals, the consumption of high-cholesterol foods may lead to an increase in blood cholesterol levels, a phenomenon often referred to as "hyper-responders." This response may be attributed to genetic factors.
What is high cholesterol?
High cholesterol, medically referred to as hypercholesterolemia, is a condition characterized by elevated levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
It is important to note that high cholesterol is not classified as a disease in itself; rather, it may serve as an indicator of underlying health issues, such as infections or inflammation, among others.
The medical community characterizes high cholesterol as elevated levels of cholesterol within lipoprotein particles when compared to the average cholesterol levels observed in healthy individuals.
Is elevated cholesterol detrimental to health?
What makes it potentially hazardous? Researchers initially discovered cholesterol deposits in the obstructed arteries of individuals who succumbed to heart attacks. Consequently, they concluded that elevated cholesterol levels in the blood are a contributing factor to the occurrence of heart attacks.
Firefighters should not be held liable for their presence at a fire incident. Their foremost duty is to extinguish fires and safeguard public safety.
In the areas affected by clogged arteries, researchers identified the presence of macrophages, calcium, and T cells alongside cholesterol, all of which signify inflammation within the blood vessels.
To address inflammation, cholesterol is rapidly transported to the affected area to facilitate repair processes. Cholesterol plays a crucial role in healing. It is essential for building and repairing cellular structures. Without it, cells cannot function properly. Thus, maintaining balanced cholesterol levels is vital for overall health.
The improper deposition of calcium and the presence of inflammation are the main contributors to plaque formation within the arteries.
Research indicates that a vitamin K2 deficiency can lead to inappropriate deposition of calcium, resulting in the formation of arterial plaque.
Heart disease is not primarily attributed to high cholesterol levels; rather, it can result from factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, elevated blood pressure, improper calcium deposition, and tobacco use.
Is there anything as Good Cholesterol & Bad Cholesterol?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles transport excess cholesterol from the bloodstream back to the liver for excretion from the body. Consequently, HDL is regarded as beneficial cholesterol, and elevated levels of HDL are considered a positive indicator of cardiovascular health.
Conversely, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles transport cholesterol synthesized by the liver to various cells throughout the bloodstream. Consequently, LDL is often considered as "bad" cholesterol; reducing its levels is a positive health indicator.
The concept is more complex than it appears. Not all low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are identical; they exist in two distinct variants, they are:
- Big & fluffy and
- Small dense and oxidized (damaged).
Research indicates that only small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is detrimental and linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Research indicates that a diet rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates is associated with an increase in the harmful small, dense, oxidized LDL particles. Furthermore, research shows refined carbohydrate consumption may contribute to inflammation and enhance oxidative stress.
How are cholesterols transported?
Cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream through a combination with proteins, as blood is primarily composed of water and cholesterol is a lipid that does not mix well with it. This complex of lipids and proteins is referred to as lipoproteins
Cholesterol in Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles are wrongly considered as bad cholesterol. LDL particles transport cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver to peripheral tissues.
Cholesterol contained within high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles is typically regarded as beneficial, often referred to as "good" cholesterol. HDL particles support reverse cholesterol transport, which is crucial for lowering the risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides are found in the bloodstream and are stored within adipose tissue. They serve as the primary energy source and are among the most prevalent fat types present throughout the body.
Total cholesterol indicates the complete quantity of cholesterol present in all lipoprotein particles throughout the body.
What causes high cholesterol?
High cholesterol can result from several factors, such as infections, digestive disorders like allergies and leaky gut syndrome, inadequate thyroid function, fatty liver disease, and kidney issues.
The body may produce excess cholesterol beyond its needs for several reasons. One significant factor is the consumption of high amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates. When these foods are digested, they can cause a spike in blood insulin levels. Elevated insulin can increase fat storage and may stimulate the liver to produce more cholesterol.
Elevated insulin levels activate HMG-CoA reductase, prompting body cells to produce excess cholesterol, often without necessity. In some individuals, this mechanism contributes to elevated cholesterol levels in their bloodstream.
Reducing the intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates allows HMG-CoA reductase to function properly, leading to a return of blood cholesterol levels to a healthy range.
High cholesterol levels may be influenced by inflammation or infection, akin to how respiratory tract infections can lead to an overproduction of mucus.
Understanding the causes of high cholesterol can aid in restoring cholesterol levels to a healthier range.
Cholesterol risk factors play a significant role in determining cholesterol levels. While some of these factors can be managed, others are beyond our control. So identifying and addressing the modifiable risk factors, can help achieve healthier cholesterol levels.
Why we should know the cholesterol symptoms?
Understanding the symptoms of high cholesterol is crucial because more than 40% of adults aged 25 to 35 remain undiagnosed.
Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to high cholesterol symptoms, but these are often mild or difficult to identify. As a result, many individuals may have elevated blood cholesterol levels without even realizing it, remaining undiagnosed.
Everyone aged 20 and older should undergo a cholesterol test at least once every five years.
When to undergo high cholesterol diagnosis?
High cholesterol typically presents no obvious symptoms, making it difficult to detect. The only reliable way to diagnose it is through regular cholesterol screening tests. To confirm a diagnosis of high cholesterol, it is essential to undergo a cholesterol test
Understanding your cholesterol levels (healthy lipid ranges of the total, LDL & HDL cholesterol, and Triglyceride) is crucial, as elevated cholesterol can indicate underlying issues such as inflammation, infection, or liver/thyroid problems that require attention.
Lipid level assessment includes lipoprotein profile tests and advanced lipid tests. Advanced lipid tests offer information on the number and size of lipoprotein particles.
The Lipid Profile Test is considered somewhat outdated, making it challenging to accurately assess a person's risk of atherosclerosis. Additionally, its effectiveness can be enhanced by calculating cholesterol ratios.
To improve the heart disease risk prediction, it's beneficial to calculate cholesterol ratios from lipid profile tests. These ratios serve as an effective tool for assessing cardiovascular risk.
Heart health tests that can more specifically predict heart health include CRP, fibrinogen, lipoprotein (a), homocysteine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and calcium scans.
Is it acceptable to reduce cholesterol levels using medication?
The body often increases cholesterol levels as an adaptive response to address inflammation, infection, and oxidation.
It's important to recognize that cholesterol serves as a vital nutrient for healing, and therefore, it shouldn't be artificially reduced through medication.
You can reduce or eliminate inflammation and oxidation by avoiding sugar, refined carbohydrates, trans fats, and other unhealthy foods. This approach allows the body to naturally lower cholesterol levels on its own.
Most physicians focus on alleviating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying conditions.
Typically, physicians aim to reduce elevated cholesterol levels by prescribing cholesterol-lowering medications. This approach is akin to treating the flu by merely suppressing mucus production rather than addressing the underlying respiratory infection.
Seldom do a handful of conscientious doctors delve into the root causes of elevated cholesterol levels. By pinpointing and addressing the underlying factors contributing to high cholesterol, it may be possible to reduce cholesterol levels without the need for medication.
Do Statins drugs lower brain cholesterol?
Statin medications are designed to reduce blood cholesterol levels. However, these drugs can cross the blood-brain barrier, which may impair the brain's capacity to produce the cholesterol it requires for proper functioning. Perhaps that explains why statins are associated with memory issues and coordination difficulties.
Is it possible to lower cholesterol levels with lifestyle modification?
Making lifestyle changes for cholesterol is the safest and most effective way to reduce high cholesterol levels. Furthermore, adopting a healthy lifestyle promotes overall well-being in all aspects of life.
Here are some lifestyle changes that can help lower cholesterol levels:
- Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on consuming foods that help normalize cholesterol levels.
- Understand Fats: Learn to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy fats.
- Incorporate Fiber: Recognize the advantages of both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet.
- Increase Omega-3 Intake (cod liver oil flaxseed oil): Enhance your health by including more omega-3 fatty acids in your meals.
- Understand the benefits of weight loss for cholesterol management.
- Increase your physical activity and engage in regular exercise.
Is saturated fat linked with heart disease risk?
Saturated fat has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. However, its effects are complex.
Consumption of saturated fat may contribute to the conversion of small, dense LDL particles into larger, less harmful ones.
This transformation can influence overall cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.
A high intake of saturated fats is linked to higher levels of larger, buoyant LDL particles, which are considered harmless and benign.
Reference: Change in dietary saturated fat intake is correlated with change in mass of large low-density-lipoprotein particles in men. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1998 May;67(5):828-36.
This doesn't imply that you should consume saturated fat without restrictions, but rather in moderation.
Cardiologists have identified refined carbohydrates, including sugar and white flour, as the primary dietary risk factor for heart attacks.
Does carbohydrate play a role in heart disease?
Research indicates a clear link between the consumption of refined carbohydrates and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A diet high in refined carbohydrates can lead to reduced HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels while simultaneously increasing insulin levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation throughout the body, including in the coronary arteries.
Refined carbohydrates increase blood sugar and insulin levels, which subsequently transform large, fluffy LDL particles (considered harmless) into small, dense, oxidized LDL particles (deemed harmful) that are linked to heart disease.
Epidemiological studies indicate that a high dietary glycemic load from refined carbohydrates elevates the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), regardless of established risk factors for coronary disease.
Reference: A prospective study of dietary glycemic load, carbohydrate intake, and risk of coronary heart disease in US women. Published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000 Jun;71(6):1455-61.
Cholesterol is typically harmless; it only poses risks when we consume refined carbohydrates or sugar.
High cholesterol levels are often linked not to a diet high in fat but rather to one rich in carbohydrates, with sugar posing significant risks.
Additionally, people in health forums shared their experience with low-carb-high-fat diets that have lowered their cholesterol levels. It just emphasizes eating fat does not raise the blood cholesterol level; instead does the opposite.
Is there any alternative treatment for high cholesterol?
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has reported that 38% of adults in the U.S. and 12% of children utilize alternative medicine.
Natural remedies for high cholesterol offer an alternative method for managing hyperlipidemia without adverse side effects, targeting the underlying causes. The alternative therapies we explore for elevated cholesterol include herbs, yoga, acupressure, and reflexology.
Are there any complications of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol can lead to several complications, including atherosclerosis, angina, coronary heart disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. These conditions are primarily a result of chronic inflammation rather than high cholesterol levels.
Individuals with preexisting heart conditions or familial hypercholesterolemia are at a higher risk for these complications.
By properly treating the underlying issues, such as inflammation, infection, liver or kidney problems, or a deficiency in vitamin K2, you can prevent these complications.
Is high cholesterol dangerous or protective?
Cholesterol serves as a protective layer over inflamed arteries, aiding in the healing process. In this sense, cholesterol functions as a healing agent for the body.
When there is an excess of inflammation or infection, the body produces more cholesterol to aid in healing, which leads to an increase in blood cholesterol levels.
Elevated cholesterol levels can signify significant inflammation or infection, which requires appropriate medical intervention.
Inflammation can be triggered by the consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, poorly managed stress, inadequate sleep, excessive exposure to chemicals, and environmental pollution.
By decreasing inflammation and infection, cholesterol levels can naturally return to a healthy range.
A study conducted in Japan revealed an inverse relationship between all-cause mortality and total cholesterol levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Specifically, the research indicated that mortality rates were highest among individuals with the lowest cholesterol levels, without any exceptions.
Reference: Towards a Paradigm Shift in Cholesterol Treatment published in Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 2015;66(suppl 4):1–116.
Cholesterol is regarded as a component of the body's defense system because of its capability to combat toxins and infections.
Cholesterol aids in the neutralization and removal of toxins produced by gut bacteria that enter the bloodstream. Several studies have established a connection between low cholesterol levels and a heightened risk of infections.
Cholesterol is not inherently bad or unhealthy; rather, it is a vital component of the structure of every cell. Furthermore, it is essential to the healthy operation of the brain and nerves.