Most people know that high cholesterol is not good. But how does it function? What factors affect it? I mean, really, what is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a molecule found in all animals and is classified as a type of steroid. It is produced naturally by the liver and is part of a healthy, functioning body. It is needed to produce certain hormones, to produce Vitamin D, and to form and maintain healthy cell membranes, among other vital functions.

Cholesterol is transported between the liver and the bloodstream by two types of lipoproteins: Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). LDL takes cholesterol produced by the liver and transports it to the bloodstream. Too much of it clogs the arteries, which may eventually cause a stroke or heart attack. Thus, LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol. HDL is the “good” cholesterol because its function is to carry cholesterol out of the arteries and into the liver, where it is broken down and can leave the body.

By default, the body produces just enough cholesterol to maintain healthy body functioning. In modern life, there are many things that interfere with this process. As with most health topics, it begins with diet.

The fat in any animal products will contain cholesterol. Therefore, meat, poultry, and dairy products are all dietary sources of cholesterol. There are recommended daily allowances for cholesterol intake (300mg per day for someone consuming 2,000 calories), as indicated on food labels. However, you may be advised to consume less than that depending on other factors, particularly if you have or are at risk of heart disease or high cholesterol.

And while you’re at it, take a look at how much saturated fat you are consuming too. Surprisingly, saturated fat intake actually has a bigger impact on cholesterol levels than intake of cholesterol itself. This is because saturated fat consumed in excess will cause the body to produce cholesterol.

Another factor that affects cholesterol levels is physical activity. Although the exact cause is unclear, many studies have shown that exercise reduces cholesterol levels. One theory is that exercise stimulates the body to produce more HDL, the “good” cholesterol that helps remove bad cholesterol from the body. Other researchers note that weight loss, which often accompanies exercise, can decrease cholesterol production in the body. In any case, it appears that physical activity and losing weight when necessary can play a role in reducing or controlling cholesterol levels.

Hopefully you can incorporate this information into your daily living, to lead a healthier life and have a clearer answer to the question: “What is cholesterol?”

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