Cholesterol is an organic compound, a lipid that penetrates into the organism with foodstuffs, as well as forms in the liver. It is required by the body for normal functioning.
But the excess of cholesterol is the first factor for the onset of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels and eventually serous heart complications. The norm of blood cholesterol is from 3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L. The upper limit is elevated based on the age of an individual. For instance, the risk of atherosclerosis for people over 50 years of age is substantially raised in the achievement of the limit of 6.2 mmol/L.
Circulating in the blood, when the substance is in excess, has a tendency to stick together and accumulate in the arteries. This prevents normal blood circulation contracting the vessels and causing oxygen hunger. This leads to the inadequate blood supply of the tissues and organs. When the clots are dissimilated, it can cause a formation of a thrombus that provokes embolism, heart attacks, and strokes and can lead to death.
However, cholesterol plays also a beneficial role:
– It has a big role in the production of hormones including testosterone which in their turn regulate many processes in the body including immune protection;
– Under the exposure to sunlight, cholesterol produces vitamin D;
– Breast milk contains a high amount of cholesterol required for baby development;
– It is an significant component of bile that is necessary for digestion;
– It is a building material for all cells of the body.
Low “good” cholesterol causes dysfunctions of the reproductive system, causes infertility, low libido, as well as depressive states with a high risk of suicide. It also causes dysfunctions of the digestive system, development of osteoporosis, diabetes, and other diseases. Namely due to these reasons, it is highly encouraged to lower cholesterol with diet and exercising rather with cholesterol-lowering drugs. They must be used when the level is critical but it’s important to track the level of cholesterol and try to maintain it in the normal range with a lifestyle change.