How much do you know about cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >>?
Everyone talks about cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >>, the good kind, then the bad kind that builds up fatty deposits on artery walls. However, very few people are aware of the vital role that good cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> plays in the human body.
Essential to Life
Present in every cell of the body, cholesterol is essential for the membrane, the outer skin of the cell, to ensure its integrity and functioning.
CholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> is necessary for the production of steroid hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
Additionally, it plays a key role in the defense system against infections and in the production of bile acids, which are essential for digestion and the absorption process of fats in the intestine.
We All Manufacture and Eat Cholesterol
CholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> can be both important and dangerous simultaneously due to the balance and the level of cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> in the bloodstream. Let’s examine this further.
Firstly, let's consider the quantity.
Our body produces cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> every day, termed endogenous cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> because it is internally generated, primarily in the liver.
The amount produced varies from person to person and is genetically regulated by an internal manufacturing regulator or thermostat.
Another portion of cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >>, known as exogenous cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >>, comes from our diet.
It earns its name because it originates from outside the body. This cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> is absorbed by the intestine and then transported to the liver.
Transported in the Blood Circulation by “Taxi”
Cholesterol, both ingested and manufactured, is released into the bloodstream through carriers whose function can be compared to taxis. The “good taxi,” or good cholesterol, is known as HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), while the “bad taxi,” or bad cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >>, is referred to as LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein).
LDL, which is produced and supplied by the diet, transports cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> from the liver to the body’s cells. Any excess is returned to the liver where it is eliminated by HDL, the good cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >>.
Do you understand the importance of HDL, the good cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >>?
The more you have, the better the elimination of the surplus.
Imprints in the Vessels
From birth, the process of cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> transportation begins and can leave traces on the artery walls.
Over time, these traces can evolve into cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> plaques, a phenomenon known as atherosclerosis.
Origin of the Cholesterol Plaques
The formation of plaques begins with the deposition of cholesterol, transported by LDL or the “bad taxi,” on the thin inner layer of the bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood vessel called the intima.
CholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> is absorbed and stored in the muscular layer of the vessel called the media.
Its presence produces inflammation
This accumulation of cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> triggers inflammation.
Immune system cleaning cells, called macrophages, are attracted to this inflammation and absorb the cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >>, but they become oversized and then trapped in the vessel wall.
When these cells die, they release their contents, including cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >>, worsening the inflammation and contributing to the formation of new plaques.
This process can repeat itself, leading to an increase in the number and volume of plaques, depending on the amount of excess LDL cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> in the bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood.
LDL Taxis Pollute Just As Much
The taxis of bad cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> (LDL) also contribute significantly to plaque formation. Indeed, the presence of certain proteinsProteins are fundamental components manufactured by the cells of our body. They play an essential role in many biological functions, acting as hormones, antibodies, and even cholesterol transporters, among others. >> called apoproteins, which act as parts of the taxi, also induces inflammation comparable to pollution emitted by vehicles traveling on roads.
Researchers are currently investigating these proteinsProteins are fundamental components manufactured by the cells of our body. They play an essential role in many biological functions, acting as hormones, antibodies, and even cholesterol transporters, among others. >> in order to design and develop medication that would reduce their numbers and reverse their impact on health.
What Causes Excess LDL?
Generally speaking, excess of bad cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> (LDL) comes from:
- poor dietary habits, especially saturated fats;
- predisposition (genetic or risk factors);
- certain diseases (kidney, thyroid).
Reduction of Bad Cholesterol Is Possible
The reduction of bad cholesterol (LDL) can be achieved by respecting 2 principles:
- adopting better lifestyle habits:
- balanced diet, low in saturated fats;
- regular physical activity;
- weight loss or maintenance of target weight.
- Medication
If improvement in lifestyle habits is insufficient in reducing the bad cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> (LDL), and if there is a predisposition, i.e. risk factors, to coronary arteryThe two coronary arteries, the right and the left, form the blood network that supplies the heart with oxygen and nutrients. They are located directly on the surface of the heart and branch into smaller vessels that disease, medication may be prescribed. In the case of coronary arteryThe two coronary arteries, the right and the left, form the blood network that supplies the heart with oxygen and nutrients. They are located directly on the surface of the heart and branch into smaller vessels that disease, the use of medication will be required.
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