Cholesterol has been much maligned. The health conscious are in fear of high cholesterol levels.But what is cholesterol and is it as bad as it’s been made out to be? Cholesterol is a waxy fat(lipid) substance. 75% of cholesterol is produced in the body by the liver and other cells(endogenous cholesterol), the remaining 25% is obtained through food(exogenous). Cholesterol is important as it is a necessary component of the cell membrane(wall). The membrane is essential to maintain the integrity of our cell, regulating flow of nutrients into and out of the cells. Cholesterol is also used to manufacture bile, needed for fat digestion. It is also used in the production of hormones, chemicals needed for important body functions. Endogenous cholesterol is secreted into the blood and has to be transported from one place to another via chylomicrons and includes lipoproteins( kinda like a ship), with the blood as sea. There are mainly 3 types of cholesterol: If there is a lot of lipoprotein and less of cholesterol, this is known as HDL(high density lipoproteins), or good cholesterol, these are used by the body in manufacture of other molecules. If the reverse is true, its known as LDL(low density lipoprotein), bad cholesterol. LDL is not easily transported and get deposited in the walls of blood vessels(arteries), forming plaques, in process called atherosclerosis. These hardened cholesterol deposits in time will lead to narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to vital organs.Critically it can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack. The third type, trigylycerides,TG are also bad.This is the kind of body fat that’s deposited on hips n bellies. Any fat,carbohydrate, protein consumed but not utilized immediately by the body is converted to triglycerides ad stored as fat. High levels of TG increase risk of cardivascular disease and potentiate adverse effect of smoking,obesity,diabetes and high blood pressure.
While some people do have a genetic predisposition to increased cholesterol levels, they can still reduce their risk of cardiovascular events by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Foods rich in cholesterol such as saturated fats,trans fat (pastry,cakes,butter, margarine) will lead to an imbalance of lipoproteins,increasing LDL production. Fibre rich foods, omega 3 fatty acids ( fish, linseed oil), promote good cholesterol. So lets minimize polished rice,white flour, sugar, potatoes, processed food. Bring on the berries,brown rice. Herbs such as garlic and oats are also known to reduce bad cholesterol. Remember: halalan toyibban.
