Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance in our blood Cholesterol does not serve as a metabolic energy source instead is a component of plasma membrane and a
precursor for bile salts, steroid hormones and other specialised molecules. This sterol is present in high amountn nervous tissue and serves the purpose of an insulating cover over the nerves. Normal blood cholesterol varies between 0.15% to 0.2%. However, high blood cholesterol
has no symptoms, so many people are unaware of thisIt can be detected only by a lipid profile blood test.
Cholesterol is carried through our blood, attached to proteins. The combination of proteins and cholesterol is called lipoprotein. There are different types of cholesterol based on the type of lipoprotein it carries.
(a) Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is 'bad cholesterol. Too much LDL build up in our arteries can lead to hardening of the arteries or arteriosclerosis and further atherosclerosis. It is the starting point for heart problems.narrowing of blood vessels.
synthesis of bile salts.
(b) Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). VLDL cholesterol makes LDL cholesterol larger in size, resulting in
(c) High density lipoprotein (HDL) is 'good' cholesterol. HDIL picks up excess cholesterol, and takes it to the liver for
The different reasons responsible for high blood cholesterol include an unhealthy diet, obesity, being inactive and genetic make up Diet plays an important role in regulating our cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is found in foods that come from nimal sources such ac agg volks meat and cheese
