The word "cholesterol" brings fear to our minds, generally associated with heart disease. Though it's pretty easy to manage cholesterol levels in the blood by following a specific diet, it's not always enough to eliminate the risks associated with high cholesterol.
Cholesterol is not all bad. It aids in carrying out some of the crucial functions of the body. Apart from the cholesterol made by the body itself, it is also found in the foods that we eat. Eggs, meat, fish and dairy products contribute to its formation in the body. This dietary cholesterol complements the bodily formed cholesterol and is important to keep the blood cholesterol at an optimal level for the proper functioning of the body. The optimal cholesterol levels of our body are between 100 and 129 mg/dL.
Maintaining the Cell Structure:
Cholesterol provides stability to human cellular structure by keeping cells strong. Thus it prevents cell's contents from leaking out. It's able to do this because of its unique structure. It also helps cells in communicating with each other by transferring molecules between them. Cells use proteins embedded in the membrane which is facilitated by cholesterol to communicate.
Developing Human Memory:
There is scientific proof that cholesterol helps with the formation of human memory and helps in its maintenance. It does this by helping with the formation of synapses, which helps with human memory.Thus it is responsible for ensuring proper functioning of the brain. Also, there is proof that people who take cholesterol reducing drugs suffer from memory loss in the long run.
Enabling Digestion:
By enabling the production of bile, which is essential for digestion, cholesterol affects all bile functions e.g., digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
Helping with the Production of Vitamin D:
The human body produces vitamin D from cholesterol present in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. In the absence of adequate sunlight, vitamin D is formed from food rich in cholesterol--fish and eggs. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and a healthy heart and immune system.
Precursor to Steroid Hormones:
Cholesterol is the starting ingredient for the synthesis of the steroid hormones like glucocorticoids (which helps in blood sugar regulation), mineralcorticoids (which helps in mineral balance and blood pressure regulation) and sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone).
In Conclusion:
With all these benefits cholesterol is probably not that dangerous as it is made out be but an optimum level is clearly needed for the proper functioning of the body. A healthy diet and regular exercise help keep cholesterol at this level.
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