Cholesterol : What is it ?

Cholesterol is actually a crystalline substance consisting of fats. It is found naturally in the brain, nerves, liver, blood and bile of both human and vertebrate animals. Cholesterol is necessary for proper functioning of the body and is produced mainly in the liver. It is used by the cells to build membranes and it is also used to produce sex hormones and in aiding digestion. This natural cholesterol travels from the liver through the blood stream where it is delivered to the cells. The cells take what they need and the excess cholesterol remains in the blood stream. Excessive cholesterol forms plaque, which sticks to artery walls and may eventually cause heart disease.

Researchers have discovered that there are two types of cholesterol: Low Density Lipoproteins (LDLs) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDLs).

Low Density Lipoproteins LDLs are bad cholesterol and are obtained by dietary means from animals products. The body cannot use this type of Cholesterol because it is in a form that the body does not want and it often ends up as plaque formation on artery walls. No matter how much is obtained through the diet, the body continues to produce its owns natural or serum cholesterol which it can use.

HDL are good cholesterol; as High Density Lipoproteins removes excess cholesterol from the blood and tissues.

Normal range for cholesterol :

Total Cholesterol < 5.2 mmol/l

HDL Cholesterol   > 1.04 mmol/l

LDL Cholesterol   < 2.6 mmol/l

Triglycerides       < 1.7 mmol/l

Total Cholesterol / HDL ratio < 5.0