When you hear the word “cholesterol,” what comes to mind first? Heart attacks? Strict diets? Before you panic and toss out your favorite snacks, let’s pause and discuss what cholesterol really is, and why it’s not the villain it’s made out to be. Truth be told, cholesterol is actually necessary for life. So what’s all the fuss about?

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is often misunderstood as the “bad guy.” In reality, it’s a fatty substance that your body needs to build cells, produce certain hormones, and make vitamin D, among other functions. It’s important to note that HDL and LDL are not cholesterol. Rather, they are lipoprotein particles that transport cholesterol through your bloodstream.

Despite the scary headlines, cholesterol is vital for survival. Your body produces about 3,000 mg of cholesterol every day! Here are some key functions of cholesterol that many people may not be aware of:

Functions of Cholesterol

If you don’t already know, your body makes cholesterol. It produces around 3000 mg every single day! Why so much? Cholesterol is a type of fat, or lipid, that your body needs for many vital functions. Without it, many critical processes would stop.

• It provides raw material for cell membranes. It’s part of the structural property of cells which allows the back and forth exchange of nutrients. 
• It has antioxidant properties and prevents free radical damage. 
• Anti-inflammatory properties. 
• It’s the building block of Vitamin D.
• It helps make bile, the substance that aids in breaking down fat and extracting the nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins from it.
• It makes the essential stress hormone cortisol. 
• It makes the sex hormones: testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone.

• Cholesterol responds to crises. If you have an infection or inflammation, cholesterol levels increase because it binds and inactivates bacterial toxins.
• It prevents damage from microbes.
• It acts as a bandaid for cell membranes. If they get any lesion, ulcer, or damage, cholesterol heals the membrane. 

The Myth: High Cholesterol Always Means Heart Disease

One of the biggest misconceptions is that “high cholesterol automatically means heart disease.” This idea gained traction in the mid-20th century, particularly from Ancel Keys’ Seven Countries Study, which linked high saturated fat diets to higher cholesterol and increased heart disease rates. However, correlation doesn’t equal causation. Just because two things happen together doesn’t necessarily mean one causes the other. Cholesterol quickly became a convenient scapegoat, but let’s explore the truth.

HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides: What’s the Difference?

• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as the “good” cholesterol. This one’s like the cleanup crew, helping to remove cholesterol from your arteries and sending it back to your liver for disposal. 

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Known as the “bad” cholesterol, LDL is essential for carrying cholesterol from the liver through your vascular system to your cells. But it can contribute to plaque buildup if too much of it is small and dense.

• Triglycerides: Though not cholesterol, triglycerides are fats present in your blood. They can pose health risks if high levels are combined with low HDL or high LDL. So it’s never really about LDL alone.

Types of LDL

1. Type A: This type is large and floats. It doesn’t go into the epithelial wall, doesn’t get involved in plaquing, or clotting. Let’s just say it’s normal LDL that lasts about 2 days in your body. 

1. Type B: This type is small and dense, it goes through the epithelial wall, and can form plaques or clots. So when people get heart diseases or strokes, they have more of this type, so you see more oxidation and plaque build up. It lasts up to 5 days in your body. 

Which Type of LDL Do You Have? 

Regular blood tests don’t differentiate between the 2 types. However you can opt for a “Lipid Profile Test” to find out. Also, if you have high triglycerides and low HDL, you likely have more Type B LDL, whereas if triglycerides are low and HDL is high, you probably have more Type A LDL.

The Truth About LDL

Interestingly, type B LDL isn’t the bad guy. Think of it as your body’s version of a bandage. When you consume a high-carb, high-sugar diet, inflammation and arterial damage can occur, prompting Type B LDL to come in and repair the damage by forming plaques or clots. While this response is crucial for immediate healing, chronic inflammation can lead to plaque accumulation over time, which blocks arteries and results in a heart attack or stroke.

Our bodies focus on fixing immediate problems, not long-term consequences. So, type B LDL responds to the damage that happens, even though too much of it can cause unintended trouble in the long run.

In Conclusion

Understanding cholesterol is just the beginning of your journey toward better heart health. While we’ve unravelled the myth surrounding LDL and highlighted its essential functions, the conversation doesn’t stop here. The good news is that you can take proactive steps to manage your cholesterol levels, enjoy its benefits, while preventing LDL buildup.

In our next article, we’ll explore practical strategies that can empower you to make heart-healthy choices without sacrificing the foods you love. There’s a whole bigger picture that I need to show you and recommendations to share with you. I’ll guide you on how to create a balanced lifestyle that supports your heart and overall well-being.

Stay tuned, and let’s take this journey together toward a healthier you!