CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is a complex molecule, a part of the family of organic molecules called sterols. It was discovered by Michel Chevreul in 1812, and has been studied by many researchers since then. Thirteen scientists have received Nobel Prizes studied, including Adolf Windaus.

Cholesterol is a very important part of cell membranes. The membrane is required to keep our cells intact, and to regulate the flow of nutrients to and fro inside and outside the cell. More cholesterol in the membrane, which is rigid. Neural networks in the brain and spinal marrow, which requires a lot of isolation cells, rich in cholesterol.

Cholesterol is made by the liver. Mostly used to make bile. Bile is a complex mixture including cholic acid, amino acid and desoxycholic cholanic. These acids are stored in the gall bladder, and released into the intestine during the digestive process. Bile emulsifies fats that we eat, so that the digestive enzymes to break them.

Cholesterol is also used to make hormones that are essential for normal body function. These include corticosteroids, which are essential for fighting infections and allergies. Cholesterol is an important precursor molecules for the synthesis of vitamin D and steroid hormones, including the adrenal gland hormones cortisol and aldosterone, as well as the sex hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone, and derivatives.

So why do people talk about good and bad cholesterol?
Cholesterol is used to make bile and also to make hormones that are essential for normal body function.

Some of cholesterol made by the liver is secreted into the blood to be transported to other tissues. In the blood, it is associated with another chemical called lipoproteins. If there is a lot less lipoprotein and cholesterol, known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is used by the body to make other types of molecules, and what is known as good cholesterol.

If the opposite is true, this is known as low density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is not easily transported in the blood, and will be deposited in the arterial wall. These deposits are called plaques. If there is too much LDL plaque or if they are close to the heart, it can cause a stroke or heart attack. That's why it's called 'bad' cholesterol.

Lipoprotein cholesterol rich foods leads imbalance, causing the body to make more HDL than LDL. That is why it is considered safer to buy cooking oil with less or no cholesterol. Foods rich in trans-fatty acids (like margarine and butter) promotes the formation of LDL, while a diet rich in fiber (root vegetables, fruits) and omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed oil) and Vitamin B3 promotes good cholesterol. So let's go slow on fries, and eat more carrots!
Foods rich in fiber (root vegetables, fruits) and omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed oil) and Vitamin B3 promotes good cholesterol.

A bad feature is the abuse of steroids or cholesterol 'doping'. When there are high levels of testosterone in the blood, the body gains more stamina. Steroid molecules Much has been made of cholesterol that mimics the function of testosterone, such as androstendione. It's called Improving Performance Drugs (PEDs) If an athlete injects ped into the blood stream, he experienced a temporary increase stamina, which can help beat other athletes in a competition.

However, many dangers. PEDs are illegal in all sports competitions. Second, they can cause permanent damage to the body. They increase LDL, reduced immunity against infectious diseases and creates a higher risk of cancer or heart attack.