The Facts about cholesterol help us understand these biomacromolecules' crucial role in our bodies. Cholesterol is essential for the survival, growth, and development of the body. The important facts about cholesterol include understanding its various types i.e. LDL, HDL, and VLDL. In this article, we will look into the basics of cholesterol and all the interesting facts about cholesterol.
What is Cholesterol?
Definition: A lipid molecule that has an important role in providing structural support to the cell membranes, and synthesising hormones as well as bile acid is called cholesterol.
Cholesterol falls under the category of lipid which is an important biomacromolecule. It is one of the primary components of the cell membrane. It helps in maintaining the cell's structure and also helps in cell to cell signalling process. Cholesterol is also required for the synthesis of hormones, bile, vitamin D, etc. which are very essential for various physiological processes of the body. The cholesterol is transported throughout the body with the help of LDL and HDL. The diet mainly regulates the cholesterol levels in the body but genetic factors and lifestyle also play important roles in it.
Typical Representation of a Cholesterol MoleculeList of Interesting Facts About Cholesterol
Some of the most common and interesting facts about cholesterol are:
Fact 1: Discovery
Cholesterol was first identified by a French chemist named François Poulletier de la Salle in 1769. He isolated cholesterol from hardened deposits from the gall bladder and named it "cholesterine" which means "bile solid".
Fact 2: Vitamin D Synthesis
Cholesterol is essential for the production of vitamin D which helps absorb calcium for bone health.
Fact 3: Chemical Structure
Cholesterol is a lipid molecule characterized by a four-ring structure with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to one end and a hydrocarbon tail at the other.
Fact 4: Types and Roles of Each Types
Cholesterol can be categorized into three main types based on the transporter molecules, these are; LDL, HDL, and VLDL. VLDL is the synthesizing molecule for LDL as well as a transporter of triglyceride from the liver to the bloodstream, LDL is responsible for the transport of cholesterol from the liver to the bloodstream, and HDL is responsible for the transport of cholesterol from the bloodstream to liver for excretion.
Fact 5: About LDL
LDL or Low-Density Lipoprotein is also known as "bad cholesterol" as its increased levels in the blood lead to atherosclerosis, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
Fact 6: About HDL
HDL or High-Density Lipoprotein is also known as "good cholesterol" as its increased levels in the blood lead to reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Fact 7: Sources
Cholesterol reaches our body via different means like dairy (cheese, butter), plant sources (palm oil, coconut oil), animal products (eggs, meat, seafood), processed items (sausages, fast food), baked goods (cakes, pastries), and fried foods (fried chicken, french fries), etc.
Fact 8: Cholesterol Normal Ranges
The normal cholesterol levels follow a normal prescribed range but may vary depending on age, sex, and other factors.
Aspect | Adult Male | Adult Female | Children |
|---|
Total Cholesterol | Less than 200 mg/dL | Less than 200 mg/dL | Less than 170 mg/dL |
|---|
LDL Cholesterol | Less than 100 mg/dL | Less than 100 mg/dL | Less than 110 mg/dL |
|---|
HDL Cholesterol | 40 mg/dL and above | 50 mg/dL and above | 45 mg/dL and above |
|---|
Triglycerides | Less than 150 mg/dL | Less than 150 mg/dL | Less than 150 mg/dL |
|---|
Fact 9: Influence of Diet
Having food that is rich in saturated and trans fats increases the level of VLDL and LDL whereas fibre and omega-3-rich foods boost the HDL level.
Fact 10: Influence of Lifestyle
The levels of 'bad cholesterol' also increase if a person has stress, sedentary habits, and smoking habits whereas stress management and physical activity promote 'good cholesterol'.
Fact 11: Influence of Genetics
Genetic conditions like hypercholesterolemia can lead to high cholesterol levels in the blood even if the person has a healthy lifestyle and food habits.
Fact 12: Effects of Cholesterol on Overall Health
High cholesterol levels in the blood cause atherosclerosis (arterial blockage) that increases the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke by blocking the blood flow to the heart and brain. It can also lead to peripheral artery disease, kidney disease, and gallstones.
Fact 13: How to Manage Cholesterol?
Cholesterol can be easily managed by introducing the following in our daily lifestyle; a diet rich in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains increases HDL and lowers LDL, while regular physical activities like walking or swimming decrease LDL levels.
Fact 14: Measured Value
The total cholesterol level in the blood is measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (DL) of blood.
Conclusion - Facts About Cholesterol
With the help of this article on facts about cholesterol, we now have a clear idea that not all cholesterol is bad like VLDL and LDL, there is HDL also which is a good form of cholesterol. As compared to dietary cholesterol saturated and trans fats have more contribution to increasing the cholesterol levels of the body. The cholesterol levels can increase in all age groups of people irrespective of their ethnicity. People with low body weight can also have higher levels of cholesterol due to genetic and lifestyle factors.
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