Cholesterol is actually very important

Excessive pursuit of lowering cholesterol is not the most ideal health strategy  

First, where does cholesterol come from?

Cholesterol is an important lipid that plays an integral role in the normal functioning of the body. It mainly comes from two ways: dietary intake and self-synthesis.

 

Dietary intake (exogenous)  

Our diet contains cholesterol, mainly from animal foods. Meat, dairy products, eggs, etc. are all sources of cholesterol. When we eat these foods, the cholesterol in them is absorbed by the intestines and enters the blood circulation.  

Self-synthesized (endogenous)  

The liver is the main synthesis site of cholesterol in the body. It synthesizes cholesterol on its own and then releases it into the blood. This process is physiologically normal, as cholesterol plays multiple roles in the body, including building cell membranes and synthesizing hormones.  

Cholesterol is not as low as possible, but needs to be maintained within an appropriate range . Cholesterol, as one of the indispensable lipids in the human body, is essential for a variety of physiological functions, including cell structure, hormone synthesis, and nutritional metabolism. However, obsessing over cholesterol levels may not be the best health strategy.  

Let’s talk about the necessity of cholesterol: [1]  

1. Main components of cell membrane:
   

   Cholesterol is one of the main components of cell membranes, giving them stability and fluidity. The integrity of the cell membrane is essential for the normal function, communication, and survival of cells. Lack of sufficient cholesterol may lead to incomplete cell structure and affect the normal functioning of cells. 

2. Synthesis of Vitamin D :
   

   Cholesterol in the skin is converted into vitamin D by UV rays from the sun . Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health, so cholesterol is indirectly involved in this important physiological process. 

3.  Elements of hormone synthesis:
   

   Cholesterol is a necessary precursor substance for the production of adrenaline, sex hormones and other hormones. These hormones play an important regulatory role in regulating metabolism, reproductive system, immune response, etc.
   
   
   
   
   
   

4.  Cholic acid production and fat digestion:
   

   Cholesterol can be converted into cholic acid, which is essential for digesting fat. Cholic acid is involved in the emulsification and absorption of fat and promotes the digestion and utilization of nutrients. 

5.  Promote carbohydrate metabolism:
   

   Cholesterol is also involved in carbohydrate metabolism and affects energy production and utilization. It plays a regulatory role in energy balance. 

6. Red blood cell protection and prevention of anemia:
   

   Cholesterol helps protect red blood cells from destruction and prolongs the life of red blood cells, thereby preventing the occurrence of anemia. 

7. Protective effects on vascular health:
   

   High-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) in cholesterol is a beneficial component that mixes in the blood and carries excess cholesterol back to the liver, thereby reducing the formation of arterial plaque, protecting the health of blood vessels, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease .  

Everyone is familiar with the fact that high cholesterol can increase cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks. However, when you are too obsessed with lowering cholesterol , it is more likely to cause multiple physical and mental symptoms! [2]  

1. Decreased thinking ability and brain aging:
   

   Long-term low cholesterol levels may cause decreased thinking ability, slow response, accelerate brain aging, and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.  

2. The body ages prematurely and is prone to death:
   

   Cholesterol is essential for the functioning of body functions, and low cholesterol may lead to premature aging and even hasten death.  

3. Blood vessels lose protection and are prone to rupture:
   

   Lack of cholesterol protection may cause blood vessels to become weak and prone to rupture, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.  

4. Negative psychology, auditory hallucinations, hallucinations, suicidal tendencies:
   

   Long-term low cholesterol may lead to negative psychology, auditory hallucinations, hallucinations, and even violent or suicidal tendencies. [3]  

5. Sexual dysfunction, affecting fertility:
   

   Cholesterol is involved in the production of hormones. Long-term deficiency may cause sexual dysfunction and even affect fertility.  

Low cholesterol levels may have multiple effects on physical and mental health, including decreased thinking ability, increased cardiovascular risk, and decreased immune capacity. In the process of pursuing health, maintain a balanced cholesterol level and maintain cholesterol within an appropriate range through reasonable diet, exercise and necessary medication.

 

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