Thus the factors governing the manufacturing of cholesterol in the body, particularly in the liver, and its disposal, are very important. On the other hand, taking vegetable oils known as polyunsaturated fats like safflower oil, mustard oil, sunflower oil and corn oil lower the cholesterol levels. This is also done by mono-unsaturated fats like olive oil. This is the rationale behind taking less of animal fats like ghee, cream, butter, eggs, cheese etc. Cholesterol, however, is not present in our body to create problems.
Cholesterol is an integral part of all cells.
It forms the membranes or the walls which hold the cells. It forms the basis of the formation of hormones like corticosteroids, and sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Cholesterol after conversion into colic acid, is extremely important in the digestion of fats through bile secreted by the liver into the intestine. Its presence in the skin along with other lipids makes the skin impervious to water, otherwise one can lose a large amount of water on account of evaporation through the skin. A recent observation has been made in Chicago that cholesterol and other lipids are important in mopping up the endotoxins i.e. toxic material generated by the microbes and are therefore very important in fighting infections.