cholesterol

Cholesterol

A waxy substance similar to ear wax, created in the liver, and not an essential nutrient.

Maintains fluidity

What is cholesterol’s role in the membrane?

Forms Vitamin D, sex hormones, bile acids

What are cholesterol’s functions?

Animal Products

Cholesterol is sourced from animal products such as organ meats, eggs, dairy, and seafood.

Chylomicron

A lipoprotein that carries cholesterol to muscle or fat cells and returns remaining triglycerides to the liver.

VLDL

carries liver-made cholesterol and delivers triglycerides to muscle and fat cells.

LDL

delivers cholesterol to all body cells and returns to the liver after use.

HDL

picks up excess cholesterol from cells and returns it to the liver for recycling.

Hypercholesterolemia

A condition characterized by excess cholesterol in the body, which can lead to early death due to organ function impairment.