Although cholesterol tends to have a bad reputation, it plays a vital role in the human body’s metabolic processes. Cholesterol is naturally produced in our bodies where it is an essential part of our cell membranes. It is also used by the body to make hormones, help in the absorption of vitamins, and to produce bile, which helps in the digestion of fats. Our bodies naturally make enough cholesterol
Our bodies naturally make enough cholesterol to perform all of these functions, though more cholesterol may be introduced through the diet. Animal products, such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and seafood all contain cholesterol which can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Our bodies naturally make enough cholesterol to perform all of these functions, though more cholesterol may be introduced through the diet. Animal products, such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and seafood all contain cholesterol which can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
When cholesterol is derived from the diet, it enters the bloodstream by association with a lipoprotein, a molecule that contains fats and proteins. If the cholesterol binds a high-density lipoprotein (HDL), it will be removed from the bloodstream, so this is often referred to as “good cholesterol.” Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) remain in the bloodstream.
So cholesterol that binds with it stays in the blood stream. If it is oxidized by free radicals it will become very reactive and can cause damage to the walls of the arteries, leading to cardiovascular disease. Although the cholesterol that binds to LDL is no different than that which binds to HDL, it is often called “bad cholesterol” because of this potential effect.
