Cholesterol. Types, characteristics and how to improve your levels

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of unsaponifiable lipid or lipid without fatty acids. It is part of the sterols, that is, it is an alcohol derivative (the polar part of the cell), but its core is nonpolar.

This type of sterol is found mainly in cells of animal origin.

Its functions and characteristics:

• The main function of cholesterol is structural. In other words, it provides rigidity to cell membranes to a greater or lesser extent depending on the degree of unsaturation and the length of the chain.
• Its synthesis takes place in the intestinal mucosa and the liver.
• Its level is directly influenced by each person’s diet. The higher the intake of this lipid, the greater the rigidity the cell membrane may present.
• Cholesterol is a precursor of different molecules and compounds that are vital for the functioning of the body, such as hormones, bile acids and even vitamin D (a fat-soluble vitamin obtained mainly through sun exposure that must be transformed by the body into D3 hormone).

HDL and LDL cholesterol:

LDL or low density lipoproteins: this is the “bad” cholesterol, since an excess can cause it to accumulate in the arteries.

HDL or High Density Lipoproteins: This refers to the abbreviation for high-density lipoproteins in English. The good cholesterol. Its main function is to help transport cholesterol to the liver so that it can eliminate it.

Foods to increase HDL cholesterol:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Seeds
• Salmon
• Avocado
• Nuts

Cholesterol from a nutritional perspective:

It is true and has been demonstrated that high cholesterol levels cause cardiovascular and cerebral problems. Despite this, a market has been created around these values, with thousands of products being developed that promise to reduce cholesterol levels. These types of products do not usually have a significant impact when it comes to reducing blood cholesterol levels.

The main and most important recommendation is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, engage in regular physical activity and maintain a good diet.

When referring to the term “high cholesterol,” we must be aware of the presence of the type of lipoproteins that are found in greater abundance. To calculate the total value, we must add the LDL type (the lipoproteins that are harmful to the body) plus HDL (lipoproteins that have beneficial functions).

Having a higher proportion of HDL, which provides numerous benefits to the body, is not the same as having a higher proportion of LDL, which acts in the opposite way.

 

Lucia Ferrer Tellez