Better Health Through Low Cholesterol Diets

Cholesterol is a lipid found in the cell membranes of all tissues, and it is transported in the blood plasma. Cholesterol is considered to be a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol). Cholesterol is more abundant in tissues which either can synthesize or have more abundant densely-packed membranes, such as the liver, spinal cord and brain. Cholesterol is insoluble in blood, but is transported in the circulatory system bound to a variety of lipoprotein, spherical particles composed mainly of water-soluble proteins. Cholesterol is required to build and maintain cell membranes and regulates membrane fluidity over a wide range of temperatures.

Most of the cholesterol in the body is synthesized in the body and some has some sort of dietary origin. The main types of cholesterol are the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) which carry cholesterol from and to the liver, respectively. Abnormally high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) and abnormal proportions of LDL and HDL are associated with cardiovascular disease by promoting atherosclerosis. Cholesterol has also been implicated in cell signaling processes, where it is believed that it assists in the formation of lipid rafts in the plasma membrane. Losing weight and regular physical activity can also help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Dietary cholesterol mainly comes from meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol raise the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Although dietary cholesterol exerts some influence, the regulatory mechanism of the liver upon absorption of cholesterol decreases the effect of dietary cholesterol on total cholesterol levels. While part of the circulating cholesterol originates from diet, and restricting cholesterol intake may reduce blood cholesterol levels, there are other links between the dietary pattern and cholesterol levels. A low fat diet, which often results in a higher carbohydrate intake, may actually be an unhealthy change. Recent research suggests that a major dietary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases is trans fatty acids, and in the US the FDA has revised food labeling requirements to include listing trans fat quantities.

Lowering cholesterol may slow down, reduce, or even stop plaque from building up in the arteries, reducing your chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke, or dying of heart disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels is currently the primary focus in preventing atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL)-This is what is known as "bad" cholesterol, it can penetrate the arterial wall and deposit cholesterol within the artery, contributing to heart disease. LDL is at an ideal level if it's less than 130, it's considered borderline high between 131 and 159, and it's too high if it is above 160. Low cholesterol levels are generally better than high cholesterol levels, however extremely low cholesterol levels may not be healthy either.

Cholesterol, as the precursor to all steroid hormones, is necessary for the proper regulation of blood sugar, inflammation, mineral levels, and blood pressure. Cholesterol is naturally present in cell walls or membranes throughout the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, and heart. Cholesterol treatment guidelines will evolve as experts learn more about how best to treat heart disease. Cholesterol is necessary to keep the body functioning but too much of the "bad" cholesterol causes more damage than good.