Cholesterol is a crystalline substance belonging to the steroids group. It is found naturally in our bodies because cholesterol is needed to carry out all our vital functions properly. Cholesterol is present in the brain, liver, nerves, blood and bile in both humans and animals.
The lives produces 80% of the total cholesterol in the body, and the other 20% comes from the diet. Cholesterol is involved in the metabolic, hormonal, digestive and nervous systems. It is transported from the liver to the cells via proteins called lipoproteins. The cells use what they need, and the rest remains in the bloodstream waiting for other lipoproteins.
The lipoproteins that transport from the liver to the tissues are the LDL (low density lipoprotein), known as bad cholesterol. The HDL (high density lipoprotein) are good cholesterol and are responsible for eliminating excess cholesterol from the blood and tissues by returning it back to your liver.
The balance of HDL and LDL in the blood stream will directly effect the health risks from cholesterol. When our HDL levels are higher than LDL levels, we have a lower risk of heart disease or clogged arteries, assuming our other eating habits are healthy. If our LDL levels are higher then cholesterol can stick the walls of the arteries forming plaque which clogs up the flow of blood. This is known as arteriosclerosis which leads to many health problems.
A cholesterol level of HDL and LDL in the blood of 200 mg / dl is considered normal and safe. If levels exceeds 200 mg /dl there is an increased risk of heart disease. The risk becomes even higher when the levels are above 240 mg / dl.
Within these total cholesterol values is fundamental relationship between HDL and LDL. If the HDL level in the blood stream is less than 35mg/dL, it is actually increasing cardiovascular risk despite having a total cholesterol level of 200mg/dl. As HDL levels decrease, the risk of cardiovascular problems increases. Normal values of HDL in the blood are between 50 to 60 mg / dl.
We should eat a controlled diet which limits saturated fats and avoids sugar and alcohol. These factors contribute to an increased level of cholesterol. We also may need to control stress as it has been shown to over stimulate the production of natural cholesterol.
Other causes of high cholesterol are cholesterol gallstones, impotence, high blood pressure (hypertension), and mental impairment. Other studies have found a close relationship between cholesterol and some cancers. We must not forget the hereditary factor, as many people who have high cholesterol while following a healthy diet low in fat still have high LDL levels.
The international recommendation given by the World Health Organization is not to exceed 300 mg of cholesterol in the diet. Controlling the intake of saturated fats is essential to prevent hypercholesterolemia.
