The human body is a complex mechanism capable of self-regulation. This is how nature created it, and every substance in it is vital for proper operation. Cholesterol is an important component of each of our cells. There is a lot of it in the nervous tissue, the brain consists of 60% of adipose tissue. Also, thanks to cholesterol, many hormones are formed. Some associate the word cholesterol (cholesterol) with atherosclerosis, with something harmful. But let's take a closer look at how it happens.
Cholesterol and cholesterol. Is there a difference?
What is cholesterol and cholesterol? Is there a difference between the terms, what role does the compound play in the body? Physically, it is a liquid crystal. From the point of view of chemical classification, it is correct to call the compound cholesterol, as it sounds in foreign scientific literature. The particle -ol indicates that the compound belongs to alcohols. In Russia, doctors often use the term "cholesterol".
There is no need to get cholesterol from the outside, this compound is produced by the body itself by 80%. The remaining 20% comes fromfood, and this share is also necessary. The function of cholesterol in the body is very important, and it is simply impossible to replace this compound.
Cholesterol is a substance that is part of the stones that form in the bile ducts and gallbladder. Here it is the main ingredient. Moreover, the more cholesterol is included in the composition of the stone, the higher the likelihood that it is possible to get rid of the calculus without surgical intervention. These stones float freely and are small in size.
Cholesterol synthesis in our body per day is approximately 0.5-0.8 g. Of these, 50% is formed in the liver, and approximately 15% in the intestine. Every cell in the body is capable of synthesizing cholesterol. Normally, 0.4 g of this substance comes with food per day.
The role of cholesterol
Cholesterol in the blood is a compound that plays an important role in the synthesis of steroids, vitamin D, sex hormones, and the adrenal cortex. It is an integral part of every cell membrane. Thanks to cholesterol, cells are able to maintain their structure. Cellular transport channels are also formed with the participation of this substance. Thus, if there is a lack of cholesterol in the body, then the cells function worse. There is a failure in their work.
Bile acids are an important component of bile, they are also synthesized from cholesterol. This process takes a significant part of all cholesterol in the body - about three-quarters. Bile acids are very important for the digestion of food, all metabolic processes depend on them.
"Good" cholesterol
Cholesterol is a substance that cannot be dissolved in blood plasma. Its chemical composition, its effect on the body throughout the 20th century were studied very intensively. Many discoveries have been made in this field, and thirteen Nobel Prizes have been awarded.
As studies have shown, the body does not have this substance in its pure form. It always has three elements, each playing a role. Since cholesterol cannot be dissolved, it requires auxiliary transportable proteins to move around the body. In this case, compounds of cholesterol and protein, or lipoproteins, are formed. There are three classes of lipoproteins: low, very low and high density.
High-density lipoproteins dissolve well and do not leave any residue. Such transport compounds directly direct cholesterol for processing to the liver, where bile acids necessary for digestion are formed from it. Further, its remains enter the intestines. And then they are excreted from the body. This type of compound is medically known as “good cholesterol.”
Bad cholesterol
LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) has received the term "bad cholesterol". This type is the main transport form. Thanks to LDL, the compound enters the cells of the body. Such lipoproteins are poorly soluble, therefore they tend to form precipitates. If LDL levels rise, there is a risk of atherosclerosis.
The remaining lipoproteins that did not fall into the first two groups belong to lipoproteins verylow density. They are produced in the liver and carry cholesterol to all organ cells. Such compounds are the most dangerous, they form atherosclerotic plaques.
Balance
All researchers say that the higher the level of high-density lipoprotein in the blood, the better. But how to determine the boundary when useful connections can turn into bad ones? To control total cholesterol (the total amount of both bad and good), as well as the level of lipoproteins of various densities, it is necessary to undergo a medical examination and take a biochemical blood test every year.
So you will always be aware of the level of cholesterol in your body. Thus, in time, you can take action and correct the situation if there are any deviations from the norm.
Cholesterol: normal
These norms depend largely on the state of he alth, age and gender of the person taking the blood test. The general indicators are as follows:
1. The norm of total cholesterol in an adult is 3.9-5.2 mmol / l. If the result is from 5.2 to 6.5, then doctors report minor deviations from the norm. With an indicator from 6.6 to 7.8 - a moderate deviation. Above 7, 8 - a form of severe hypercholesterolemia, treatment of the disease is already necessary here.
2. Considering men separately, it is worth noting that the level of this substance should not exceed 7.17 mmol / l, for women the limit is 7.77. If cholesterol is elevated, then the doctor should give additional advice. In this case, you need to pay attention to the state of yourhe alth.
3. The ratio of high density lipoproteins to low density lipoproteins should not exceed 1:3. Everyone should know these norms.
If everything is in order with your total cholesterol and the ratio of “good” and “bad”, then you should not blame cholesterol for your poor he alth. If the norm is not exceeded by much, it is easy to fix it with proper nutrition, physical activity. Eliminate bad habits, go in for sports, look at the world with an optimistic view, eliminate stress from your life - and your he alth will return to normal.
Atherosclerosis and cholesterol
The causes of atherosclerosis, many see cholesterol. If total cholesterol is elevated, then it, being deposited on the walls of blood vessels, impedes blood flow. But it should be remembered that the reason for this is “bad” cholesterol, or low and very low density lipoproteins. “Good”, on the contrary, cleanses the vessels from it.
It has already been proven that the relationship between atherosclerosis and cholesterol is very ambiguous. There is no doubt that if cholesterol is elevated, then this is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. But this pathology often develops in people who have a normal level of the compound we are considering. In fact, high cholesterol is just one of many risk factors for developing the disease. These include smoking, obesity, hypertension and diabetes. The presence of these factors, even with normal cholesterol levels, also leads to the development of atherosclerosis.
Different view
There are alsoother views. "Repair" material - cholesterol - accumulates in places where there are microdamages of blood vessels, it blocks these damages, thereby playing the role of a healer. Therefore, atherosclerosis is often observed even with normal cholesterol levels.
With an increased rate, the problem manifests itself much faster, in addition, it is easier to associate a violation of the norm with atherosclerosis, which was done at the very beginning of the research. Cholesterol was declared the culprit of all ills. So why does a decrease in the indicator not immediately solve problems with blood vessels? In such cases, a lack of cholesterol can even cause hemorrhages. Scientists continue to look for the causes that lead to vascular damage and develop new methods of treatment.
Miscellaneous fats
The level of cholesterol depends not only on the presence of its excess in food, but also on the quality of fats. And they are also different. There are fats that the body needs in order to fight "bad" cholesterol, increase the level of "good". This group includes monounsaturated fats found in the following foods:
- Avocado.
- Almonds.
- Cashew nuts.
- Pistachios.
- Sesame seeds.
- Olive oil.
- Natural nut butter.
- Sesame oil.
Polyunsaturated fats also do not clog our arteries, you should not refuse them, but you don’t need to be especially zealous either. With their deficiency, atherosclerotic plaques grow at a double rate. These fats are not formed in the body, so they musteat with food:
- Corn oil.
- Sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are found in the following foods:
- Seafood.
- Fatty fish.
- Hemp oil.
- Linseed oil.
- Soybean oil.
- Walnuts.
Saturated fats increase cholesterol levels, and during a diet to reduce indicators, you need to limit them as much as possible in your diet:
- Beef.
- Pork.
- Butter.
- Fatty cheeses.
- Coconut and palm oil.
- Sour cream.
- Cream.
- Whole milk.
- Ice cream.
The most dangerous group of fats are trans fats. Most of them are artificially produced from liquid vegetable oil in a special way. After special processing, solid oils (or margarine) are obtained. Trans fats not only increase the level of "bad" cholesterol, but also reduce the levels of "good". They are often used in the production of semi-finished products, pastries, confectionery, chocolate bars, sweets and much more.
The dangers of high cholesterol
Cholesterol is a substance that is necessarily present in our body. It performs the functions of a transporter, is responsible for the delivery of fats to the cells. Cholesterol either "brings" fat to the vessels, or takes it from there. But if its concentration is higher than the permissible norm, it is deposited on the walls. Thus, they mayatherosclerotic plaques form, and the vessels become clogged. Why is it dangerous?
With a large accumulation of bad liquid cholesterol, a micro-rupture may appear. Red blood cells and platelets rush through it, and a blood clot can form. If the vessel is blocked by a thrombus, there is a possibility of a stroke, myocardial infarction or gangrene of the limb.
Treatment of disorders
To reduce blood cholesterol, you need to lead a he althy lifestyle. Excess weight must be reduced. Do regular exercises. Follow a diet (foods consumed should not contain saturated fats, as well as trans fats).
If a positive lifestyle does not lead to lower cholesterol levels, drugs from the statin group are prescribed. They can lower the level of "bad" cholesterol, thereby preventing a stroke or heart attack.
Let's conclude with three simple useful tips:
- Don't give up fat altogether. It is the source of our energy, the protective, building material of cell membranes.
- Monitor the intake of fats in your body. For city dwellers, the daily intake of fats, if translated into calories, should be 600-800 kcal, which is approximately 30% of the daily intake of the latter.
- Eat only natural fats. The most useful are those that remain liquid at room temperature.
