Function of cholesterol
Cholesterol is an integral component of every cell in your
body, providing structural integrity and strength to cell membranes. It is not
used as an energy source by your body because it is not biodegradable. (Cells membrane allows for the passage of
nutrients and wastes into and out of the cell. Interaction with the cell
membrane allows for molecular communication signals to pass from outside to
inside of the cell.)
Cholesterol is the precursor of many bodily substances such
as bile acids, vitamin D and hormones. Additionally, it contributes to the development
and working of the central nervous system, and it has major functions in signal
transduction.
All cells in the body synthesize cholesterol; the sites that
produce the highest amount are the liver, intestines, adrenal glands, and
reproductive organs.
What organs used cholesterol for
The liver produces about 20–25% of total daily requirements,
half of which it converted into bile acids for digestion.
This is followed by the intestines. Bile salts aid in the
intestinal absorption of fat molecules as well as the fat-soluble vitamins, A,
D, E, and K.
Cholesterol esters is a major constituent of the adrenal
gland; providing the raw material for the synthesis of the steroidal hormones, cortisol
(influences or regulates blood sugar, blood pressure, immune function, the
body's anti-inflammatory processes and Central Nervous System [CNS] activation.),
glucocorticoids (involved in immune and inflammatory processes), and
aldosterone (the principal regulator of the salt and water balance of the body,
thus influencing blood pressure).
Mineralocorticoids need cholesterol in its formation. This
hormone regulates osmotic balance.
Reproduction
The reproductive organs need cholesterol for sperm
development. This structural fat is also used in the formation of estrogens, testosterone,
androgens and progesterone.
Embryonic development is affected by cholesterol through its
covalent bonding to Hedgehog proteins, resulting in their activation. During
embryonic development, Hedgehog proteins regulate cell proliferation and
differentiation and where each type of cells should migrate to. Without
cholesterol, the signaling activity is disrupted and cell differentiation may
be impaired.
It is also involved in prenatal genital development.
The above show cholesterol plays a vital part in human
embryogenesis and development.
Nerves
Nerves are like telephone lines that allow messages to be
sent to different parts of the body for communication. Cholesterol is a
precursor of neurosteroids (involved in neurotransmission and excitation).
The myelin sheath is very rich in cholesterol and form a
protective layer around nerve neurons. This insulation provides conduction of
impulses more efficiently. Myelination occurs most rapidly during prenatal
development.
Others
Interaction of cholesterol with ceramides is essential for
the barrier function of the skin.
Sunlight act on cholesterol on the skin for Vitamin D
synthesis. A study found increased concentration of blood cholesterol during
the winter months in participants. They speculated, “Lack of Sunlight could
increase blood cholesterol by allowing squalling metabolism to progress to
cholesterol synthesis rather than to vitamin D synthesis”.
Some research indicates cholesterol may act as an
antioxidant. (Smith LL (1991).
Your brain comprises roughly a quarter of the total free
cholesterol in the human body. That is why people with genetic defects that
impair cholesterol formation or usage have impaired mental capacity.
Cholesterol is necessary for the ligand binding activity of
the serotonin receptor. (Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has an enormous
influence over many brain functions).
It promotes and stabilizes membrane fluidity over a
substantial range of physiological temperatures and sterol concentrations.
Cholesterol is a
sterol produced only by animals and can be found in dairy products, animal meat
and egg yolk. This article is meant to dispel public fear of cholesterol. It is
not meant to be an excuse to indulge in excessive quantities of food with saturated
fats (lots of ice cream, whipped cream, rich cakes and coconut milk curries).
You only need 20 percent of fats from your diet. Your body can provide the
remainder 80 percent. Consume a mixture of saturated, monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated fats as each has its own distinctive role in the diet. Refer to the food pyramid on amount of fats
to include in your diet. Excessive amounts will upset the natural balance
needed by your body. Minimize fries because high heat changes the structure of
fat, rendering it toxic to the body.
Cholesterol loaded food is fine in moderation for those
without metabolic diseases.
