Cholesterol essential to life: So what is bad cholesterol?

Cholesterol essential to life. So what is bad cholesterol?: Myths dispelled: 

Cholesterol essential to life. So what is bad cholesterol?: Myths dispelled Mark Green

Cholesterol Function: 

Cholesterol Function Cholesterol has many functions in the body which are essential to life. Examples include aiding digestion and cellular communication. However, cholesterol has another major function: Maintaining cellular membrane fluidity. So if it is essential why is it viewed as a bad thing? Confused? Allow me to explain.

Cholesterol function: 

Cholesterol function Cholesterol is a type of fat known as a sterol (there are 4 types). Fats are unable to mix with water (but more about this later). To understand the role of cholesterol we first need to gain an understanding of the workings of a cell. Cells are the microscopic components which make up every tissue in the body. They are the driving force behind life yet without the aid of a microscope, we can’t even see them.

The Cell: 

The Cell Cells have various components. They have an inner section where a variety of functions and reactions occur. They also have a protective layer known as the plasma membrane. The plasma membranes purpose is to keep unwanted substances from entering the cell.

Plasma Membrane: 

Plasma Membrane

Plasma Membrane: 

Plasma Membrane For the plasma membrane to function optimally it must remain fluid. Cholesterol ensures that the membrane remains fluid. A good way to think about this is to picture 2 types of fat. At room temperature saturated (bad) fat is solid, as evident in a pan following cooking sausages. (The white fat left over once cooled to room temp). Whereas unsaturated (good) fat, such as olive oil is liquid and fluid at room temperature. Therefore, for our cells to function well, they must remain fluid and not become solid and immobile.

So what is bad cholesterol: 

So what is bad cholesterol Cholesterol must be delivered to the cells of the body. It does not start there. It is made in the liver and thus must be transported. Cholesterol cannot be transported by itself as it cannot mix with water which makes up the majority of blood (the main transporter of the body). Think of dropping some oil into a glass of water, it will float on top.

Lipoproteins: 

Lipoproteins Therefore cholesterol must be transported in proteins which can be carried in the blood. The 2 main types are: High density lipoproteins (HDL) and Low density lipoproteins (LDL). HDL are considered good because they transport cholesterol from the body back to the liver for recycling Too much LDL is what is considered bad, as is it carries cholesterol from the liver to the body and into the cells. Too much LDL have a tendency to stick to the walls of arteries and will not be able to enter the plasma membrane as all cholesterol sites will have been taken. This causes hardening of the arteries and increases blood pressure and eventually leads to arthrosclerosis.

Myths dispelled: 

Myths dispelled Myth dispelled: So it is not cholesterol which is responsible but the LDL transporters which can cause health problems. Therefore, cholesterol itself is good. Too much of the wrong foods which leads to a build up of LDL’s in the arteries is the problem. Fun Fact: It will actually take 6, not 2, eggs per day to negatively effective cholesterol levels with a healthy diet.

What you can do: 

What you can do Diets high in saturated fat (exceeding 20grams per day) increase the likelihood of health problems. Try to limit the amount of fatty meat, processed foods and high kilocalorie intakes. Eat natural and eat healthy. Exercise regularly (minimum of 3 days per week) to increase HDL levels and activity.

Thanks for listening: 

Thanks for listening Any questions email me info@mxafitness.com