Why You need Cholesterol.
It will be useful to read What is Cholesterol, which explains its types and its life cycle to get an overview of cholesterol.
In spite of being avoided by humans as a dangerous food, cholesterol does serve certain important functions and has benefits which can be described as essential. That is why your body manufactures cholesterol in order that the following functions be served:
Cholesterol Benefits and Functions in the Body.
1) Cholesterol and Vitamin D.
Cholesterol helps to synthesize Vitamin D from sunlight. Interestingly, all foods, which are animal foods, that are rich in Vitamin D are also rich in cholesterol. Since cholesterol is the precursor of Vitamin D, lack of cholesterol will also result in lack of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for metabolism of Calcium and forms the crux of attaining bone strength.
2) Cholesterol and Sex hormones.
Cholesterol is the precursor to pregninolone which is converted to
- Cortisol which controls blood sugar and inflammation.
- Aldosterone which regulates blood pressure and mineral balance.
- Testesterone in males. In females this testesterone is converted into estrogen.
3) Cholesterol and Cell membranes.
This lipid, cholesterol forms an important constituent of the cell wall. It acts as security guard allowing only those substances to enter the cell and preventing the unwanted ones. Besides being needed to build cell wall, it also keeps the cell membrane in place and maintains its fluidity.
4) Cholesterol and Bile acids.
Bile acids are manufactured in the liver by the metabolism of cholesterol. Cholesterol is therefore very important for production of bile acids. Bile acids in turn are essential for the digestion of fats.
5) Cholesterol and Vitamins.
Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble. Therefore cholesterol is required in their absorption from the intestines, and metabolism.
6) Cholesterol and Body cells nutrition.
Cholesterol helps in the uptake of nutrition by the body cells, being an important part of the cell membrane.
7) Cholesterol and Brain (Nervous system).
Cholesterol is important for memory development. It helps in the uptake of hormones by the brain. Serotonin is a feel good hormone of the body and it does not function well if cholesterol levels are low. Cholesterol is a significant constituent of the insulation of nerve fibers and also of the synapses ( junction in the nervous system). It is important, therefore for transmission of nerve impulses.
To summarize:
It is clear therefore that Cholesterol benefits and functions are vital for our body and, that you need cholesterol is a fact. However, maintaining optimal levels of cholesterol in the blood is important as high levels of blood cholesterol can be detrimental to your health. Read the subsequent post on Harmful Effects of Cholesterol.
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