#119 Debunking Cholesterol
July 15, 2023
Many people perceive cholesterol as a harmful substance associated with cardiovascular diseases. However, the reality is quite different. Cholesterol is an essential component of our body, serving as a building block for vital structures like cell membranes and hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol.
The Role of Cholesterol in the Body
Our cells produce their own cholesterol, and the liver contributes about 20% of our body's cholesterol supply, distributing it to cells as needed. Since cholesterol belongs to the family of fats, it is not water-soluble and cannot freely circulate in the bloodstream. Therefore, cholesterol requires carriers, known as lipoproteins, to travel through the plasma. The carriers can be thought of as submarines that help the cholesterol to travel freely around the body. These carriers are known as Lipoproteins, which are composite particles consisting of an outer protein shell and an inner core of lipids (fats).
Lipoproteins: Carriers for Cholesterol
Lipoproteins are crucial for transporting cholesterol, vitamins, and triglycerides within the body. They have two primary types based on their lipoprotein content: High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). HDL, often referred to as the "good" cholesterol, carries more protein, while LDL, known as the "bad" cholesterol, carries more lipids.
Exchange of Contents
HDL and LDL can exchange their contents with each other. However, this exchange does not make HDL the "bad" cholesterol if LDL transfers the bad cholesterol to HDL. The issue lies in the nature of the lipoprotein particles themselves. Every lipoprotein that contributes to cardiovascular disease contains a specific molecule called apolipoprotein B (apoB), which wraps around LDL particles. In contrast, HDL particles are enveloped by apolipoprotein A (apoA). Therefore, it is the presence or absence of apoB, rather than the cholesterol itself, that determines the potential risk.
The Cholesterol Conundrum
Common misconceptions lead people to believe that dietary cholesterol is the primary cause of heart attacks. Consequently, many individuals avoid consuming foods like egg yolks due to their cholesterol content. However, it is important to note that while consuming excessive saturated fats can contribute to the accumulation of harmful lipoproteins, most dietary cholesterol is ultimately excreted from the body. The majority of cholesterol in our bloodstream is produced by our own cells. You will never throw out egg yolk after reading this.
Cholesterol is not inherently "evil" but plays essential roles in our body. It serves as a fundamental building block for various structures and hormones. Understanding the distinction between HDL and LDL, and the presence of apoB in harmful lipoproteins, provides a more accurate perspective on cholesterol's impact on our health.
What you need is a test to check apoB and not cholesterol per se. Normal levels of ApoB-100 in adults are less than 100 mg/dL. A higher apoB means you have a higher-than-normal risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
That’s it for today. See you next week, until then have a great time :)
Cheers!