Why Cholesterol is Essential for Health (2)

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.