The human body is a complex mechanism capable of self-regulation. This is how nature created it, and every substance laid 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 any difference?
What are 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 a compound cholesterol, which is what it sounds in foreign scientific literature. The -ol particle indicates that the compound belongs to alcohols. In Russia, doctors often use the term "cholesterol."
There is no need to receive cholesterol from the outside; the body itself produces this compound by 80%. The remaining 20% comes with food, and this share is also necessary. The function of cholesterol in the body is very important, and replacing this compound is simply impossible.
Cholesterol is a substance that is part of the stones that form in the bile ducts and gall bladder. Here it is the main component. At the same time, the more cholesterol is included in the stone, the higher the probability that it is possible to get rid of calculus without surgical intervention. These stones float freely and are small in size.
The synthesis of cholesterol in our body per day is approximately 0.5-0.8 g. Of these, 50% are formed in the liver, and about 15% in the intestine. Every cell in the body is capable of synthesizing cholesterol. 0.4 g of this substance normally comes with food per day.
The role of cholesterol
Blood cholesterol is a compound that plays an important role in the synthesis of steroids, vitamin D, sex hormones, and adrenal cortex. This 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.
An important component of bile is bile acids, they are also synthesized from cholesterol. This process takes a significant part of all cholesterol in the body - about three quarters. Bile acids for the digestion of food are very important, all metabolic processes depend on them.
"Good" Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a substance that is not able to dissolve in blood plasma. Its chemical composition and effects on the body throughout the 20th century have been studied very intensively. In this area, many discoveries have been made, 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 different role. Since cholesterol is not able to dissolve, it needs auxiliary transportable proteins to move around the body. In this case, cholesterol and protein compounds, 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 a residue. Such transport compounds direct cholesterol to the liver for processing, where bile acids necessary for digestion are formed from it. Further, its residues enter the intestine. And then excreted from the body. This type of compound in medicine is called "good cholesterol."
"Bad" cholesterol
LDL cholesterol (low density lipoproteins) got 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 sediments. If LDL levels rise, there is a risk of atherosclerosis.
The remaining lipoproteins that did not fall into the first two groups belong to very low density lipoproteins. They are produced in the liver and transfer cholesterol to all cells of organs. Such compounds are the most dangerous, they form atherosclerotic plaques.
Balance
All researchers claim that the higher the level of high density lipoproteins in the blood, the better. But how to determine the boundary when useful compounds can turn into bad ones? In order to control total cholesterol (the total amount of both bad and good), as well as the level of lipoproteins of different densities, it is necessary to undergo a physical examination every year and take a biochemical blood test.
So you will always be aware of what level of cholesterol in your body. Thus, measures can be taken in time and corrected if there are any deviations from the norm.
Cholesterol: normal
These standards depend largely on the state of health, age and gender of the person who is taking the blood test. 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 of 6.6 to 7.8 - a moderate deviation. Above 7.8 is 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 your health.
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 the indicators of total cholesterol and the ratio of "good" and "bad", then you do not need to blame cholesterol for your poor health. If the norm is not much exceeded, it is easy to fix it with proper nutrition, physical activity. Eliminate bad habits, play sports, look at the world with an optimistic look, exclude stresses from your life - and health will return to normal.
Atherosclerosis and Cholesterol
In the causes of atherosclerosis, many see cholesterol. If total cholesterol is elevated, then it, deposited on the walls of blood vessels, complicates 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 of it.
It has already been proven that the relationship of atherosclerosis and cholesterol is very mixed. Undoubtedly, 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 the many risk factors for developing a disease. These include smoking, obesity, hypertension and diabetes. The presence of these factors even with normal cholesterol also leads to the development of atherosclerosis.
Different look
There are other views on cholesterol. The “repair” material - cholesterol - accumulates in places where there is microdamage to blood vessels, it blocks these injuries, thereby playing the role of a healer. Therefore, atherosclerosis is often observed with a normal level of cholesterol.
With an increased indicator, the problem manifests itself much faster, in addition, a violation of the norm of cholesterol is easier to associate with atherosclerosis, which was done at the very beginning of the research. Cholesterol was declared the culprit of all ills. So why does not reducing the rate immediately solve the problems with the vessels? In such cases, a lack of cholesterol can even cause hemorrhages. Scientists continue to search for causes that lead to vascular damage and develop new treatments.
Different fats
Cholesterol level 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 needed by the body in order to fight “bad” cholesterol, increase the level of “good”. This group includes monounsaturated fats contained in the following products:
- Avocado.
- Almond.
- Cashew nuts.
- Pistachios.
- Sesame seeds.
- Olive oil.
- Natural peanut butter.
- Sesame oil.
Polyunsaturated fats also do not clog our arteries, you should not refuse them, but you don’t need to be too zealous. With their lack of atherosclerotic plaques grow at double speed. Such fats do not form in the body, so they must come from 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, and during a diet to reduce performance, you need to limit them 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 is trans fats. Most of them are artificially made from liquid vegetable oil in a special way. After special treatment, solid oils (or margarine) are obtained. Trans fats not only increase the level of "bad" cholesterol, but also reduce the indicators of "good". They are often used in the manufacture of convenience foods, pastries, confectionery, chocolate bars, sweets and much more.
Why high cholesterol is dangerous
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 cells. Cholesterol either “delivers” 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, atherosclerotic plaques can form and the vessels become clogged. How is this dangerous?
With a large accumulation of bad liquid cholesterol, a microcrack may appear. Red blood cells and platelets rush through it, and a blood clot can form. If the vessel is blocked by a blood clot, there is a likelihood of a stroke, myocardial infarction or gangrene of the limb.
Treatment of disorders
To lower blood cholesterol, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Overweight must be reduced. Perform regular exercises. Follow a diet (consumed foods should not contain saturated fats, as well as trans fats).
If a positive lifestyle does not lower cholesterol, medications from the statin group are prescribed. They can reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol, thereby preventing a stroke or heart attack.
In conclusion, we give three simple useful tips:
- Do not give up fat at all. It is a source of our energy, a protective, building material of cell membranes.
- Watch the intake of fat in your body. For citizens, the daily rate of fat, if converted to calories, should be 600-800 kcal, which is approximately 30% of the daily rate of the latter.
- Eat only natural fats. The most useful are those that remain liquid at room temperature.