What is cholesterol? Cholesterol and cholesterol - what's the difference?

The human body is a complex mechanism capable of self-regulation. So its nature has created, and every substance in it is vital for proper work. Cholesterol is an important part of every cell. There is a lot of it in the nerve tissue, the brain consists of 60% of adipose tissue. Also, due to cholesterol, many hormones are formed. Some associate the word cholesterol (cholesterol) with atherosclerosis, with something harmful. But let's see in more detail how it happens.

Cholesterol and cholesterol. Is there a difference?

What is cholesterol and cholesterol? Is there a difference between terms, what role does the connection play in the body? Physically, it's a liquid crystal. From the point of view of chemical classification, it is correct to call a compound a cholesterol, and it sounds in the scientific foreign literature. The -ol particle indicates that the compound belongs to alcohols. In Russia, doctors use the term "cholesterol" more often.

From the outside, there is no need to receive cholesterol, the compound itself produces 80% of the body itself. The remaining 20% comes with food, and this share is also needed. The cholesterol function in the body is very important, and it is simply impossible to replace this compound.

Cholesterol - a substance that is part of the stones formed in the bile duct and gall bladder. Here it is the main component. At the same time, the more cholesterol enters the composition of the stone, the higher the probability that you can get rid of the concrement without surgical intervention. Stones such freely float and have small sizes.

The synthesis of cholesterol in our body per day is approximately 0.5-0.8 g. 50% of them form in the liver, about 15% in the intestine. Each cell of the body is capable of synthesizing cholesterol. With food for a day in a normal amount of 0.4 g of this substance.

The role of cholesterol

Cholesterol in the blood - a compound that plays an important role in the synthesis of steroids, vitamin D, sex hormones, the adrenal cortex. This is an integral part of every cell membrane. Thanks to cholesterol, cells are able to keep their structure. Cell transport channels are also formed with the participation of this substance. Thus, if the body lacks cholesterol, then the cells function worse. There is a failure in their work.

An important component of bile is bile acids, they are also synthesized from cholesterol. This process takes a significant part of the total cholesterol in the body - about three quarters. Bile acids for digestion of food are very important, all metabolic processes depend on them.

"Good" cholesterol

Cholesterol is a substance that can not dissolve in blood plasma. Its chemical composition, the effect on the body throughout the 20th century, was studied very intensely. In this area, many discoveries have been made, thirteen Nobel Prizes have been awarded.

As studies have shown, the body does not have this substance in its pure form. He always has three elements, each plays a role. Since cholesterol can not dissolve, it needs auxiliary transportable proteins to move through the body. In this case, compounds of cholesterol and protein, or lipoproteins are formed. There are three classes of lipoproteins: low, very low and high density.

High-density lipoproteins dissolve well and do not leave a sediment. Such transport compounds directly direct cholesterol for processing into the liver, where bile acids, which are necessary for digestion, are formed from it. Further, its residues enter the intestine. And then they are removed from the body. This type of compound in medicine was called "good cholesterol".

"Bad" cholesterol

LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins) was termed "bad cholesterol." This type is the main transport form. Thanks to LDL, the compound enters the cells of the body. Such lipoproteins are poorly soluble, so they tend to form precipitates. If the LDL level rises, there is a risk of atherosclerosis.

The remaining lipoproteins, not included in the first two groups, are very low density lipoproteins. They are produced in the liver and carry cholesterol to all cells of the organs. Such compounds are the most dangerous, they form atherosclerotic plaques.

Balance

All researchers argue that the higher in the blood level of high-density lipoproteins, the better. But how to determine that boundary when useful compounds can turn into bad ones? To control the total cholesterol (the total amount of both bad and good), as well as the level of lipoproteins of different densities, it is necessary to undergo a physical examination every year and submit a biochemical blood test.

So you will always be aware of what level of cholesterol in your body. Thus, it is possible to take measures in time and correct the situation if there are any deviations from the norm.

Cholesterol: the norm

These norms depend in many respects on the state of health, age and sex of the person who is taking the blood test. General indicators are as follows:

1. The norm of total cholesterol in an adult is 3.9-5.2 mmol / l. If the result is from 5.2 to 6.5, then doctors report a slight deviation from the norm. At an indicator of 6.6 to 7.8 - a moderate deviation. Above 7.8 - a form of severe hypercholesterolemia, the treatment of the disease is already necessary here.

2. Considering men separately, it is worth noting that the level of this substance should not exceed 7.17 mmol / l, for women the limit is 7.77. If the cholesterol is raised, the doctor should give additional advice. In this case, you need to pay attention to your health.

3. The ratio of high-density lipoproteins to low-density lipoproteins should not exceed 1: 3. These norms should be known to everyone.

If you have everything in order with the indicators of total cholesterol and the ratio of "good" and "bad", then you do not need to blame for your unwell state of cholesterol. If the rate is not exceeded a little, it is easy to correct the correct diet, physical activity. Eliminate bad habits, play sports, look at the world with an optimistic look, exclude stresses from your life - and health will come back to normal.

Atherosclerosis and cholesterol

In the causes of atherosclerosis, many see cholesterol. If the total cholesterol is raised, then, depositing on the walls of the vessels, makes blood flow more difficult. But it should be remembered that the reason for this is "bad" cholesterol, or low and very low density lipoproteins. The "good", on the contrary, clears the vessels from it.

It has already been proven that the association of atherosclerosis and cholesterol is highly ambiguous. Undoubtedly, if cholesterol is elevated, this is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. But this pathology often develops in people who have a normal level of the connection we are considering. In fact, elevated cholesterol is just one of the many risk factors for the development of the disease. These include smoking, obesity, hypertension and diabetes. The presence of these factors even at a normal level of cholesterol also leads to the development of atherosclerosis.

A different look

There are other views on the problem of cholesterol. "Repair" material - cholesterol - accumulates in places where there is microdamage of blood vessels, it blocks these injuries, thereby playing the role of a healer. Therefore, often atherosclerosis is observed and with a normal level of cholesterol.

With an increased index, the problem manifests itself much more quickly, besides, it is easier to associate a violation of the cholesterol norm with atherosclerosis, which was done at the very beginning of the research. Cholesterol was declared the culprit of all ills. So why is the decrease in the index does not immediately solve the problems with the vessels? In such cases, lack of cholesterol can even cause hemorrhage. Scientists continue to look for causes that lead to vascular damage and develop new methods of treatment.

Different fats

The level of cholesterol depends not only on the availability of its surplus in food, but also on the quality of fats. And they, too, are different. There are fats necessary for the body in order to fight "bad" cholesterol, raise the level of "good". This group includes monounsaturated fats contained in the following products:

• Avocado.
• Almond.
• Cashew nuts.
• Pistachio.
• Seeds of sesame seeds.
• Olive oil.
• Natural peanut butter.
• Sesame oil.

Polyunsaturated fats also do not clog up our arteries, they should not be discarded, but one should not particularly zealous. With their deficiency, atherosclerotic plaques grow at a doubled rate. Such fats are not formed in the body, so they must come with food:

• Corn oil.
• Sunflower seeds and pumpkins.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-3 are found in the following products:

• Seafood.
• Fatty varieties of fish.
• Hemp oil.
• Linseed oil.
• Soybean oil.
• Walnuts.

Saturated fats increase the level of cholesterol, and during the diet to reduce the indicators you need to limit their diet to the limit:

• Beef.
• Pork.
• Butter.
• Fatty cheeses.
• Coconut and palm oil.
• Sour cream.
• Cream.
• Whole milk.
• Ice cream.

The most dangerous group of fats - trans fats. The bulk of them are artificially produced from liquid vegetable oil in a special way. After a special treatment, solid oils (or margarine) are obtained. Trans fats not only increase the level of "bad" cholesterol, but also reduce the "good". They are often used in the production of semi-finished products, bakery, confectionery, chocolate bars, sweets and much more.

Than high cholesterol is dangerous

Cholesterol is a substance that is necessarily present in our body. He performs the functions of the transporter, is responsible for the delivery of fats to the cells. Cholesterol either "brings up" fat to the vessels, or takes it from there. But if its concentration is higher than the permissible norm, it is deposited on the walls. Thus, atherosclerotic plaques can be formed, and the vessels are clogged. Than it is dangerous?

With a large accumulation of bad liquid cholesterol, a microfracture may appear. Through it rush erythrocytes and platelets, and can form a thrombus. If the vessel overflows with a thrombus, there is a chance of a stroke, myocardial infarction, or gangrene of the extremity.

Treatment of violations

To lower the level of cholesterol in the blood, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Excess weight should be reduced. Do regular exercises. Observe the diet (consumed foods should not contain saturated fats, as well as trans fats).

If a positive lifestyle does not lead to a lowering of the level of cholesterol, drugs from the group of statins are prescribed. They can reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol, thereby preventing a stroke or heart attack.

In conclusion, we give three simple useful tips:

• Do not give up fat at all. This is the source of our energy, the protective, building material of cell membranes.
• Watch for the intake of fats in your body. For the citizens, the daily fat intake, if translated into calories, should be 600-800 calories, which is approximately 30% of the daily norm of the latter.
• Use only natural fats. The most useful are those that remain liquid at room temperature.