Cholesterol - Nature Cures®

Cholesterol is a type of steroid lipid and specialised tissues in the body require cholesterol as a precursor to make vitamin D, steroid hormones and the bile acids needed for digestion. Cholesterol is not a fat, but rather a soft, waxy, “fat-like” substance that circulates in the bloodstream. It is vital to life and is found in all cell membranes.

Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver but is also present in all animal foods. It is abundant in organ meats, shellfish and egg yolks but is present in smaller amounts in all meats and poultry. The liver produces over 80% of the cholesterol present in the body. Only around 15% comes from the diet.

Because of its inability to dissolve in blood, cholesterol must either be transformed in the bile or associated with special carrier molecules known as lipoproteins. The major types of lipoproteins are low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, and high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. LDL carries cholesterol away from the liver to various organs. HDL removes excess cholesterol from arteries to return it to the liver.

The human body cannot break the ring structure of cholesterol down to its single components. It first must convert the intact steroid nucleus to bile acids and bile salts, which are then excreted in the stool. The body also secretes some of the cholesterol into the bile, which then carries it to the intestine for elimination.

Both cholesterol and phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes and are found intermingled in the membrane’s core. The main function of phospholipids is to form the membrane that surrounds the body’s cells and their internal structures. Although cholesterol is also a component of cell membranes, it mainly helps maintain their fluidity.

Although the liver plays a greater role, the synthesis of phospholipids and cholesterol occurs in nearly all human tissues. Cholesterol synthesis begins with two compounds called acetate and NADPH.

Nutrients to reduce LDL cholesterol levels

NOTE: Click the links to find out the highest natural food sources of each of these nutrients.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin) and lecithin rich foods can naturally raise the body’s level of HDL cholesterol and lower the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood.

Vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 can help to reduce arterial plaque build-up by moving calcium into the bones.

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The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils can also help to reduce inflammation and lower triglycerides. Krill oil is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D so is a good choice.

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HDL cholesterol

Higher levels of HDL cholesterol can help to remove excess cholesterol from the arteries reducing the risk of plaque forming on artery walls. The liver is responsible for creating HDL cholesterol therefore a compromised liver will reduce its ability to produce the levels required. This is often caused by obesity or drinking too much alcohol and some medications and recreational drugs which overwork the liver or cause a fatty and sluggish liver.

Natural food sources of cholesterol in alphabetical order

Beef
Eggs
Cheese
Lamb
Milk (full cream)
Oily fish
Pork
Poultry
Rabbit
Shellfish
Squid
Venison

Triglycerides

Triglyceride is a form of fat made in the body. Elevated triglycerides can be due to being overweight, physically inactive, smoking, tobacco, excess alcohol consumption and a diet very high in carbohydrates (60 percent of total calories or more). People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including a high LDL level and a low HDL level. Many people with heart disease and/or diabetes also have high triglyceride levels. Most natural foods that lower cholesterol also help to lower triglyceride levels. See>> Triglycerides

For more information and natural ways to resolve cholesterol problems see>> Heart disorders

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