Cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a lipid with a waxy texture and it is classified as sterol. The term  cholesterol indicates a compound consisted of steroid and alcohol.
Cholesterol contributes to the formation, fluidity and repair of cell membranes and the synthesis of hormones progesterone, estrogens and testosterone. Cholesterol promotes the digestion of fatty acids by participating in manufacture of bile acids within the liver. Cholesterol also plays a key role in utilization of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K within the body. Cholesterol is a precursor for vitamin D and certain steroids, such as cortisol and aldosterone.
Three quarters of total cholesterol is produced in the liver and the rest 25% is obtained from foods.
Fatty foods of animal origin, such as full-fat dairy products, beef, pork, lamb and eggs are high in cholesterol. Contrary to the well established common misconception, shellfish, including oysters do not contain high amounts of cholesterol. Cholesterol is found in very small amounts in plant foods.
Good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol.
Being a fat, cholesterol is not water-soluble and it cannot dilute in the water-based blood. However, if bound with protein, it forms lipoprotein molecules and can be circulated through the blood stream. This procedure renders cholesterol waterproofed, since it is surrounded by an outer protein layer. Two very important types of lipoproteins occur after this chemical combination. The first one is referred to as low density lipoprotein (LDL) and the second as high density lipoprotein (HDL). They are also known as bad and good cholesterol respectively. Increased amounts of bad cholesterol in the blood can result in serious cardiovascular conditions. These include atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, angina, coronary heart disease and stroke. Thus, monitoring and keeping blood bad cholesterol levels under control is vital. For healthy adults, without any hereditary predisposition, physicians recommend a five yearly check. Otherwise, blood tests must be performed more often depending on the severity of the problem.
High levels of good cholesterol are desirable and extremely beneficial. High density lipoprotein (HDL) captures bad cholesterol and carries it in the liver, where it is recycled or destroyed. In other words, the higher HDL blood level, the lower the risk for cardiovascular problems is, in a long term.
LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.
A comprehensive blood test analysis must include figures for the level of both low density lipoproteins and high density lipoprotein, in order the health risk to be determined properly. A range of possible findings and the relevant meanings are demonstrated in the tables below. The figures show milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
| LDL CHOLESTEROL* |
| Less than 100mg/dL |
Desirable level. |
No risk. |
| 100 to 199mg/dL |
Acceptable level. |
No risk. |
| 200 to 239mg/dL |
Marginally high level. |
Moderate risk. Attention needed. Proper diet required including herbal remedies. |
| Higher than 240mg/dL |
Dangerously high.** |
High risk. Be alarmed. Proper died and perhaps medication needed. |
| HDL CHOLESTEROL* |
| Less than 40mg/dL |
Low level. |
Be alert. Proper died and herbal remedies may be required. |
| 41 to 60mg/dL |
Acceptable level. |
No risk. |
| Higher than 60mg/dL |
Desirable level. |
No risk. |
*The total cholesterol optimal level is less than 200mg/dL.
** According to some expert, levels higher than 190mg/dL are considered dangerous. |
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