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subject: Cholesterol Is No Demon [print this page]

Cholesterol is a substance that our body needs to function properly. When we are healthy,

about 75% of the cholesterol our organism needs is made in our liver, and we must supply

the rest through dietary intake (e.g. in butter, eggs, dairy, meat, etc.). If we do not succeed to

provide our body with that 25% extra cholesterol it needs, for instance when dieting on a low-

fat/high-carbohydrates basis, our liver understands there is an imbalance that puts good bodily

function at risk, and therefore starts producing more endogenous cholesterol to make up for

the difference. It will not stop "working extra hours" until we introduce fat again into our diet.

What does cholesterol do? Too many things, but some briefing might be possible. Cholesterol

is imperative in hormone production. (We are often unaware of how important hormones

are to our well-being, especially men.) Well, cholesterol makes hormones needed for healing,

whether from injury or infectious proccess. Insulin, which takes care of our sugar level, is

another hormone made from cholesterol. This too-demonized waxy substance is vital for

producing steroid hormones, which include glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisol), mineralocorticoids

(e.g. aldosterone), progestogens (e.g. progesterone), estrogens (e.g. estradiol) and androgens

(e.g. testosterone). Just as an example, low levels of the last three could cause fatigue,

decrease libido, affect bone density, trigger erectile dysfunction, worsen strength and stress

resistance, and other negative symptoms/disorders.

Cholesterol is also a prime contributor to vitamin D production. As a reminder, we need this

sunlight-depending vitamin to derive energy from minerals, to have strong bones, and to

maintain our immune and nervous systems in good condition. Thus, low cholesterol will result

in a weaker immunitary response to disease. Regarding our nervous system, cholesterol plays

a structural role here because it insulates nerves, but it also helps hormones reach our brain,

mediates serotonin reception (serotonin is a neurotransmitter very related to mood, apetite,

sleep and libido), positively affects our memory and is altogether necessary for proper brain

functioning.

Cholesterol is required to digest food and strengthen the walls of the intestines, as well as to

keep fit the structure of blood vessels. It makes up for about half the cell membrane and plays

a primary role in the exchange of substances between a cell and its surroundings. According to

different studies, cholesterol shows a protective effect against cancer, ageing, Parkinson and

renal disease.

Beware of falling (again) for those low-fat diets that promise health coupled with a dubiously-

more-attractive figure, as they could be turning your complex and delicate system completely

upside down instead of helping. Better consult your doctor first.

by: Maria Gonzales

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