WHY CHOLESTEROL HAS A BAD REPUTATION

Here’s how cholesterol got it’s bad rep.

Cholesterol and other lipids move into the bloodstream in different forms. It is in a range of sizes and shapes; with each type having its functions to the immune system.

1. Chylomicron

Sometimes classified as cholesterol, chylomicronis a lipoprotein composed of cholesterol and triglyceride. Made in the digestive system chylomicron are very large particles that typically carry triglycerides (that is, fatty acids from your food).

2. Very Low-Density Lipoprotein or VLDL 

Synthesized by the liver, these particles also carry triglycerides to tissues. As the cells extract fatty acids from VLDLs, the particles convert to intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) and additional extraction results in LDL particles.

3. Intermediate-Density Lipoprotein or IDL 

As VLDLs give up their fatty acids, particles are formed. Some of these particles are removed rapidly by the liver, while some are changed into low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

4. Low-density lipoprotein or LDL or “bad” cholesterol

The low-density lipoprotein has more cholesterol than protein (because most of the triglycerides they carried are gone), thus making it lighter (in weight). LDL carries cholesterol, then travels through the bloodstream to cells that need it. When this lipoprotein oxidizes, they often promote inflammation then force lipids to accumulate (forming plaques) on the walls of arteries which narrow the blood vessels, straining the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Over time, these plaques can thicken and may constrain or completely block tissues or organs from blood and nutrients. Also, LDL can lead to blood clots, which in a long run cause a heart attack or stroke. Since it is strongly associated with the buildup of artery-clogging plaque and delivers more cholesterol to the tissues, LDL is regarded as “bad” cholesterol.

 According to the American Heart Association (AHA), for LDL, it should be low, ideally less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

5. High-density lipoprotein or HDL or “good” cholesterol

Unlike LDL, HDL is heavier. It contains more protein and less cholesterol. HDL promotes the good reputation of cholesterol because this lipoprotein removes cholesterol from circulation also from artery walls. It then returns cholesterol from the cells and to the liver for excretion (which is why it is important to have a healthy liver).

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), having higher levels of HDL are considered protective. Functions of HDL:

• It help remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from the arteries.
• It may help lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, hence keep the cardiovascular system healthy.
• It carries the bad cholesterol (LDL) to the liver, where it is broken down and eliminated from the body.
• It protects against stroke and heart attack.

Now you know where the good and bad rep of cholesterol comes from. So, when you have a check on your cholesterol level, it is important to measure both LDL and HDL.

An ideal total cholesterol level should be lower than; preferably between 125 mg/dl 200 mg/d. However, 200 and 239 mg/dL is borderline, and above 240 mg/dL is high.

Factors that Influence Cholesterol Numbers

The total cholesterol needed by the body for its function is synthesized in the liver, intestine etc. however, the total cholesterol level can be influenced by factors such as

• Diet
• Heredity
• Weight
• Exercise

Cholesterol from food with a high amount of saturated fat and trans-fat can likely increase the amount of LDL (bad cholesterol)

High intake of highly saturated foods like animal products such as beef, pork, lamb, cream, butter, ice cream, egg yolks, whole-fat dairy, etc. And trans-fat from commercially baked goods, processed foods, fried foods, etc.

This isn’t to frighten you but to assist you to have a healthy diet.

The good news is that they are food options low in cholesterol.

Food Options Low in Cholesterol

The American Heart Association (AHA) proposes food –

• Rich in vegetables and fruits
• With low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, and nuts.

While other factors such as – overweight, lack of proper exercise, and heredity contribute to cholesterol levels, having a healthy diet/food is the first and cheapest step to help fight high cholesterol.

Eat foods low in cholesterol, saturated fats and trans-fat, getting regular exercise, and managing your weight will lower cholesterol levels and the risks of cardiovascular disease.

Food isn’t just any edible substance palatable to our taste buds. Food is Existence. Food is Life.

CLICK TO READ – Health Importance of Cholesterol in the Human Body