What Is Cholesterol And Why Do We Need It?

What is Cholesterol?
It is a lipid (natural fat) that is carried in the blood. It is a soft waxy substance.
Most cholesterol is made by the liver from the foods we eat, but a small amount is absorbed directly from cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs, dairy products and shellfish.
Why do we need Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is important for the formation of cell membranes and hormones. It plays a part in the production of steroid hormones (such as Estrogen, Testosterone and Cortisone), the transportation of fats around the body, the creation of Vitamin D (vital for strong bones and teeth) and to build cell membranes.
Our body needs cholesterol and it is synthesized in the liver. The problem is not the cholesterol itself but in the excessive cholesterol – particularly the “bad “ LDL cholesterol which contributes to plaque build up in the arteries. The food we eat (particularly the saturated fat) can elevate LDL. An excess of LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the arteries that feed the heart and brain and this can lead to a
heart attack. (The “good” HDL cholesterol contributes by taking away excess cholesterol).
*High Cholesterol potentially increases the risk of Heart Disease & Stroke.
There are two main types of cholesterol in the blood.

1. HDL (High Density Lipoprotein). This is known as the “good cholesterol” as it has a protective effect on the body, carrying harmful fatty deposits away from the arteries and back to the liver.
2. LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein). This is known as the “bad cholesterol” as it transports the fatty deposits to the tissues encouraging a build-up on the artery walls. The LDL cholesterol is very sticky. This build –up causes a condition called atherosclerosis which leads to the narrowing of the arteries, restricting blood flow and so increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke.
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