Cholesterol: Good or bad?

Abstract

The importance of cholesterol and its essentiality is examined. Cholesterol is transported within the human organism by lipoproteins (Chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL and HDL). The LDL considered “bad cholesterol” transport cholesterol from the liver to the other tissues for their needs; however the HDL, “good cholesterol” transport back cholesterol to the liver to be recycled. Therefore, cholesterol is rather good for its various functions in the organism. It is a major component in cell membranes, and it is used for the synthesis of steroid hormones vitamin D and bile. Its deficiency may lead to cellular damage, and a reduction in the synthesis of hormones such as testosterone and also vitamin D. Hypercholesterolemia should be considered an indicator of a health problem within the cells, that the organism is trying to fix by mobilizing cholesterol.

Keywords

• Cholesterol
• essentiality
• lipoproteins (LDL
• HDL)