What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. It is an essential component of cell membranes and plays a vital role in producing hormones, vitamin D, and digestive juices. Cholesterol is also important for the proper functioning the brain, nerves, and other organs.

What is Cholesterol

Types of cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol: 

1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol 

LDL cholesterol:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol, can build up in the walls of arteries and lead to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries become narrow and hardened, eventually leading to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. High LDL cholesterol levels in the blood can increase the risk of developing these conditions.

HDL cholesterol:

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, commonly called “good” cholesterol, helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it is processed and eliminated from the body. High HDL cholesterol levels in the blood can reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

Total cholesterol is the combination of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and other types of cholesterol in the blood. It is recommended that adults over the age of 20 have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years.

Cholesterol levels and age

Type of cholesterol	Anyone 19 or younger	Women aged 20 or over
Total cholesterol	Less than 170 mg/dl	125–200 mg/dl
Non-HDL	Less than 120 mg/dl	Less than 130 mg/dl
LDL	Less than 100 mg/dl	Less than 100 mg/dl
HDL	More than 45 mg/dl	50 mg/dl or higher

High cholesterol levels can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and physical inactivity. In some cases, high cholesterol levels can be managed through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats.

In cases where lifestyle changes are not enough, medication may be prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. Statins are the most prescribed medications for high cholesterol and work by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver.

In conclusion, cholesterol is an essential component of the body, but high LDL cholesterol levels can be harmful and increase the risk of heart disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a healthy diet can help to manage cholesterol levels, but medication may be necessary in some cases. Therefore, it is essential to have regular cholesterol checks to monitor your levels and take action, if necessary, to prevent serious health.

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Farha Zaidi

(Nutritionist)