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Is there Good and Bad Cholesterol?
Copyright 2005 Kristy Haugen
Many classify cholesterol as good and bad. This is not true.
Cholesterol is simply cholesterol. When thinking of good and
bad, many are referring to HDL's and LDL's. HDL refers to high
density lipoprotein while LDL refers to low density lipoprotein.
Lipoproteins are merely cholesterol carriers. Lipoproteins are
part lipid (fats) and part protein. The reason for this
structure is proteins are soluble in water whereas fats are
insoluble in water. The protein portion is used to transport the
lipids through the blood. Since blood is comprised mostly of
water, the lipid portion would not travel without the protein
portion.
HDL's consist of about half protein and half lipid; whereas
LDL's are about a quarter protein and three quarters lipid. The
function of the HDL is to bring cholesterol to the liver for
recycling or elimination. Low density lipoproteins transport
cholesterol to the rest of the body for building tissues.
Cholesterol by chemical structure is an alcohol, because of the
hydroxyl group (OH). Remember, ethanol (found in alcoholic
beverages and gasoline) is also an alcohol but a much smaller
alcohol. Cholesterol contains a four ring region that is
characteristic of all steroid hormones (estrogen and
testosterone). However, combination of the steroid ring
structure and the hydroxyl group classify cholesterol as a
sterol.
Cholesterol has many functions. Cholesterol is the precursor to
all steroid hormones produced in the body. This includes
mineralcorticoids, glucocorticoids, and the sex hormones.
Cholesterol is found in every cell. Cholesterol regulates the
cell membranes fluidity. This prevents the cell from becoming
too rigid or too fluid. Cholesterol helps keep the cell
membranes intact. Cholesterol helps to build strong bones and
muscles, and maintains libido and fertility. Cholesterol assists
in regulating the blood sugar. Cholesterol helps to protect
against infectious disease and repairs damaged tissue.
Cholesterol is required to form vitamin D.
Cholesterol is a component of lipid rafts, this helps to secure
proteins involved in cell signaling. When sleeping at night, our
brain synthesizes cholesterol to benefit our mood and increase
our memory. Cholesterol supports the nervous system, in which
cholesterol is a vital component of the myelin sheath. The
myelin sheath allows neurons to conduct impulses with each
other. Cholesterol has been found to be the rate limiting factor
found in the formation of synapses, this formation is necessary
for learning and the formation of memories.
Cholesterol is used by the liver to synthesize bile acids. The
liver makes about two grams of cholesterol daily. However, under
stressful conditions the production of cholesterol increases
to
produce more adrenal and stress hormones. Bile acids are
secreted into the small intestine to emulsify fats, aiding in
digestion.
Many studies cannot correlate eating foods containing
cholesterol with an increase in blood cholesterol. Eating a diet
high in meat and fat does not necessarily indicate heart
disease. For example, the Eskimos live on a diet rich in meat
and fat. The Eskimos have low cholesterol levels. Many
populations that consume a high percentage of animal fats have
less heart disease. Why? Animal fats are more resistant to
oxidative damage. Many do not realize that cholesterol plaques
are often there to protect a damaged artery. Many need to
understand that a clogged artery is better than a ruptured one.
Although elevated cholesterol levels are associated with heart
disease, cholesterol may not be the cause.
If cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease, what are the
causes? Many factors may contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease can be associated with deficiencies in a few
minerals (copper, zinc, magnesium). Toxicity in calcium can
assist in hardening of the artery walls. Increased homocysteine
(amino acid found in vitamins b6 and folic acid) levels are a
factor in heart disease. Deficiencies of vitamin C and the amino
acid lysine cause decreased collagen synthesis. Also,
hypothyroidism is associated with heart disease. Certain types
of infections and inflammations are related to heart disease
(dental infections). High blood pressure can lead to heart
disease. Smoking, diabetes, obesity, caffeine, and a sedentary
lifestyle increase the risk of heart disease. Finally, genetic
factors play a part in heart disease. Any oxidative damage from
vegetable oils contributes to heart disease. Hydrogenated fats
found in margarine, dressings, fried foods contribute to heart
disease. Hydrogenation produces trans-fatty acids. These are
non-naturally occurring fatty acids that contribute to
inflammation, one of the causes of heart disease.
Cholesterol has a bad reputation and many misunderstand. The
truth to the importance of cholesterol is simply not widespread
enough. Cholesterol's role in heart disease cannot be linked.
When understanding what may cause heart disease, total
cholesterol is not as important as the ratio of HDL's to LDL's.
This organic compound is essential for life as we know it.
About the author:
Kristy Haugen is a mother working to finish her second bachelor
degree in Chemical Engineering. She is also a Licensed Practical
Nurse with a current bachelor degree in Biology and Chemistry.
She writes to inform consumers about nutrition and health
topics. Learn more about your health and Buy
Vitamins Online at vitaminmaniac.com.
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American Diabetes Association Home Page |
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Diabetes |
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Diabetes |
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Diabetes Overview |
Defines diabetes, including the various types and treatments. Provides information on the impact and cost of the disease, its increasing prevalence, ... |
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Diabetes News - The New York Times |
A free collection of articles about diabetes published in The New York Times. |
topics.nytimes.com |
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children with DIABETES Online Community |
An online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes, featuring message boards, chat rooms, and questions/answers from medical professionals. |
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com |
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The International Diabetes Institute is the leading national and international centre for diabetes research, diabetes education and diabetes care. |
www.diabetes.com.au |
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Educates and informs people about diabetes, its treatment, prevention, and cure of diabetes. |
www.diabetes.org.nz |
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