What is cholesterol used for?
Cholesterol is one of the essential constituents of the cell membrane; it is therefore essential for life. Part of the cholesterol is the source of hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, estradiol, testosterone, but also D vitamin. However, paradoxically enough, it has a very bad image among the general public due to a fragmented discourse that has made it the number one public enemy of our health. It is its excess, associated with a series of several phenomena, that can make it a harmful molecule for the body.
Up to 70% of cholesterol is made by the body. It is mainly the liver that synthesizes it in the body. Food provides about 30%.
Cholesterol is not soluble in the blood and therefore cannot really circulate there. That's why it combines with lipoproteins also produced by the liver, which are distinguished on the basis of their density. LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) and HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) are among the most well-known lipoproteins.
LDL play a fundamental role in the transport of cholesterol. They carry it from the liver to peripheral tissues such as the blood vessels where its large accumulation contributes to the creation of the atheromatous plaque.
HDL carry cholesterol in the opposite direction, from the peripheral tissues to the liver where its excess will be eliminated by the bile.
The disruption of certain endocrine functions (notably hepato-pancreatic) leads to the precipitation of cholesterol, resulting in atherosclerosis.
There is actually only one cholesterol that is linked to different "carriers" in different cases: HDL, LDL, etc.
Dietary errors can contribute to increased cholesterol:
- Too much consumption of foods high in cholesterol.
- Unbalanced consumption too rich in saturated fatty acids: fatty meats, cold meats, bacon, tallow butter, lard etc.
Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats in the diet contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels (rapeseed, walnut and sunflower oils are rich in unsaturated fatty acids).
We can observe people consuming a few foods high in cholesterol but whose blood tests indicate a very high cholesterol level and accelerated vascular aging. At the same time, some people eat a good ration of foods high in cholesterol and have no cardiovascular problems with very good blood tests.
The excess of high calorie foods like cookies, cakes, dried fruits, bread etc., despite the lack of cholesterol consumption in the form of eggs, dairy products, meats, fish, etc., can promote cholesterol levels well above reasonable levels in different people. One of the reasons for this is the transformation of excess calories into cholesterol and pathogenic saturated fatty acids, especially when there is a lack of associated physical activity.
Information about the author :
Eric Darche / Hygienist-Naturopath, author of 9 books, lecturer.
Creator of an online naturopathic and hygienic school: ENHED
Office consultations at Auzon, in Auvergne, or by Skype or by phone: 09 50 24 05 34.
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