Cholesterol is a waxy steroid component of fat. The substance is organic chemical by nature and portrays a key role in establishing structural stability of cell membranes. The term ‘cholesterol’ is a derivative of three Greek words: chole (Eng. bile), stereos (Eng. solid) and ol (Eng. chemical suffix for an alcohol). The component is a vital constituent of cells and functions as antecedent for the biosynthesis of bile acids, steroid hormones and Vitamin D. Although an essential physiological ingredient, excessive quantity of cholesterol has been allied to arterial damage and cardiovascular disorders.

Synthesis of cholesterol

Cholesterol is the chief sterol amalgamated by animals. In vertebrates, it is primarily released in liver. In eukaryotes (fungi and plants), the substance is released in tiny proportions and is almost absent in prokaryotes (bacteria). In a healthy man weighing 150 pounds, 1000 mg of cholesterol per day is synthesized naturally, the entire body content being that of 25 gm, majorly traced in all cell membranes. Daily additional intake of cholesterol is suggested to be 200-300 mg. The liver expels non-esterified form of the substance through bile. The small bowel reabsorbs about half of this excreted cholesterol back into blood.

Body compensates by limiting cholesterol synthesis when additional cholesterol enters the body via dietary sources. With reference to this compensating physiology, dietary cholesterols have tiny effects on cholesterol concentrations in bloodstream. Less than half of the regularly produced cholesterol amount is contributed via biosynthesis in liver (10%) and intestine (15%).  Cholesterol synthesis occurs in microsomes (ER) and cell cytoplasm, commencing on bi-carbon acetate cluster Acetyl-CoA. Usually, the transportation of cholesterol is organized via lipoproteins.

Functions: Significance of cholesterol

• Considering the functionality of cholesterol, it may be concluded as a vital sterol component of the body.
• Aids in structural stabilization of cell membranes and modulation of membrane fluidity
• Contributes to nerve conduction, cell signaling and intracellular transport
• Performs as an antecedent in important biochemical pathways
• Helps in intestinal absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
• Necessitated as a forerunner molecule for amalgamation of steroid hormones, such as aldosterone and cortisol (adrenal gland hormones), testosterone, estrogens, progesterone (sex hormones) as well as their derivatives.

Initiation of health hazards due to high cholesterol levels in the body

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition referred to as the presence of high levels of cholesterol in bloodstream. The progression of atherosclerosis is strongly influenced by the absorption of cholesterol in bloodstream and its nature of transportation via lipoproteins. Excess cholesterol may stick to walls of artery; as this stuck cluster of cholesterol intensifies, a plaque layer is formed on artery walls. It reduces the passageway for blood flow between arteries, thus enabling chances of cardiac failure. This plaque mask is termed as arthrosclerosis or toughening of arteries. Blockage in artery passageways of brain and heart provokes intense cardiovascular risks.  

• One in every six Americans is diagnosed with high cholesterol levels in blood. The hygienic intensity of cholesterol in blood should to be limited to
• HDL (High Density Lipoprotein or the good cholesterol): 60mg/dl (approx) or higher
• LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein or the bad cholesterol): less than 100mg/dl, but the target has to be set as 70mg/dl
• Abide by the hygienic levels of cholesterol in your body

Take an effective approach in maintaining a ‘healthy heart’. An alteration in lifestyle is to be noted with priority in this context. Increase in physical activities, maintenance of a healthy diet (low in saturated fats) is highly recommended.  A fat-restricted, healthy diet may prove to be effective in reducing about 15% of the mildly elevated body cholesterol. Replacement of carbohydrates with MUFA and PUFA can boost serum HDL amounts and cut off serum LDL amounts. However, replacement of CARB with saturated fat contributes to the reverse.

Some healthy inclusions in daily diet, which can be efficient in cutting off serum LDL levels.

• Olive oil consumables (rich in Vitamin E and MUFA)
• Legumes (rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin B group and phytonutrients), whole and unprocessed grains
• Low fat or fat-free yogurt and other dairy products
• Citrus fruits and berries (rich in Vitamin C)
• Beta-carotene content foods: fruits such as apricots, mango and peaches, vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins and dark green veggies such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage, most juicy fruits and dark green veggies also possess anti-oxidant components 
• Foods sources of omega 3 fatty acids (fish, cod liver oil, salmons)
• Linear meat parts with high protein content (supplement fatty food interests but in a healthy way)

A steady approach in eliminating fatty foods from your diet and including moderate amount of exercises in your regular schedule will bestow you with a healthier heart and manage body cholesterol levels.  You should alter your diet pattern with reference to the above dietary sources right now rather than waiting for your body to display symptoms of atherosclerosis. In severely complicated Hypercholesterolemia cases, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are prescribed as medications. Other meditative cholesterol-reducing agents, such as nicotinic acid, librates and choelstryrmaine are to be taken only under clinical recommendations.

• Written by Amit Mitra.
• In category Nutrition.
• 11 years ago.

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