Important Functions Of Cholesterol

Fat Digestion

Bile is produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and is important for the absorption of fat molecules and fat-soluble nutrients. It is a fluid that is made up primarily of 

• Cholesterol that is mainly produced by us, (see Lipoproteins),  

• Bile salts (or bile acids) that are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol then, combines with an amino acid glycine or taurine;

• Phospholipids, primarily phosphatidylcholine; 

• Bile pigments (such as bilirubin); 

• Electrolytes including sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate; 

• Water - Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.

• Other lipids inclusive of fatty acids are also included in bile production. 

It follows then, to foster healthy digestion of fats, one needs to include in one’s nutrition foods with nutrition that will aid the production of cholesterol, fats, the entire spectrum of minerals (elements), amino acids (protein) from all sources, sodium chloride, and water.

Calcium Absorption

Calcium absorption, normal functioning of the nervous system, bone density and growth, and many other functions depend on the presence of vitamin D. In turn, vitamin D production depends on adequate supply of cholesterol. In human skin this vitamin exist as the biologically inactive precursors of vitamin D - vitamin D-3 (cholecalciferol), and is created by the action of the sun’s ultraviolet rays on the biological precursor, 7-dehydrocholesterol.

When exposed to sunlight, the ultraviolet-B radiation enters the skin where 7-dehydrocholesterol is converted to cholecalciferol which is biologically inactive and thus must be converted to biologically active forms in the liver and kidneys. Within the plasma membrane cholecalciferol rapidly converts to Vitamin D3 which is then mobilized into the extracellular space where it is bound to vitamin D receptors. Following its production in the epidermis when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strikes the skin, both forms enter the circulation and are transported to the liver by the vitamin D-binding protein (and to a lesser extent by albumin). In the liver-cells it is hydroxylated to form calcidiol or calcifediol, which is also an inactive form and requires hydroxylation in the kidney to form calcitriol - active vitamin D that regulates calcium metabolism by enhancing intestinal calcium absorption and mobilizing calcium from the skeleton.

Supplements at Amazon

Reduce Risk Of Sunburn

For many exposure to sun is the main source of vitamin D and would appear to be the most effective. However, others are cautious fearing damaged skin. While time exposed to sunlight is a factor, our diet can contribute greatly to the reduced risk of sunburn, This include to ensure that water (8 glasses), tomato, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, pomegranate, strawberry, grape, guava, oranges, orange rind, green leafy vegetables, milk (2 glasses), carrot, sweet potato, sweet pepper, dark chocolate and natural fats are included in your daily diet. If you do no have access to all these foods, try to include as many as is possible.My favorites are green tomatoes and green juices. Even though the forgoing foods form protection against the effect of the sun’s radiation, during a period of exposure, a change of skin colour is an indication to get out.

By Extension, Bone Health

Because of its role in the production of vitamin D (Calciferol), and that of this vitamin in the development of teeth and bone, cholesterol is essential for healthy bones. Vitamin D, a product of cholesterol, promotes calcium absorption in the gut, and is essential for calcium and phosphorus metabolism, It also promotes efficient calcium utilization, and the maintenance of adequate serum concentrations of these minerals to enable mineralization of bone, thus preventing hypocalcemic tetany.

Vitamin D deficiency results in inadequate deposition of hydroxyapatite (hydrated calcium phosphate) in the bones as well as inefficient absorption of calcium to satisfy the body’s need. Calciferol deficiency results in the progressive loss of bone mineral while the collagenous bone matrix is preserved. The softening of bone, bone pain, and increased risk of osteoporosis results (More about vitamin D)

Since circulating calcium concentration is tightly controlled by the parathyroid hormone, vitamin K-dependent osteocalcin, and vitamin D at the expense of the skeleton, inadequate intake and absorption of calcium produces no obvious symptoms in the short term. Symptoms of hypocalcemia includes among others, aching joints, rheumatoid arthritis that leads to joint swelling and pain, rheumatoid arthritis, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and loss of bone mineralization in the jaw. Over the long-term deficiency leads to osteopenia which if untreated can lead to osteoporosis. The risk of bone fractures also increases, especially in older individuals.

(More on this topic)

Back        Bone And Joint Health

Amazon Edition 

            

Smashwords Edition