Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance (also known as a lipid) that is an important part of the outer membrane of cells in the body of animals. Cholesterol is also found in the blood circulation of people.  The cholesterol in a person’s blood originates from two primary sources, dietary intake and liver production.  Dietary cholesterol comes mostly from meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Liver and other organ meats are especially high in cholesterol content, while plant foods contain no cholesterol.

Cholesterol cannot be dissolved in the blood unless it is combined with special proteins called lipoproteins.  The liver secretes cholesterol into the blood, and combines it with either very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) or high-density lipoproteins (HDL). VLDL cholesterol is metabolized in the bloodstream to produce LDL cholesterol. The cholesterol combined with low-density lipoprotein is called LDL cholesterol, and the cholesterol combined with high-density lipoproteins is called HDL cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol is known as "bad" cholesterol.  Elevated LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. LDL lipoprotein deposits cholesterol on arterial walls, causing the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque. Eventually, cholesterol plaque causes arteriosclerosis, a major cause of heart disease.

Cholesterol related topics: Cholesterol, Methylation, Triglycerides

Cholesterol Nutraceutical Products: Essential Seven