what is it what is good what is bad

What is cholesterol? Dispite mounting debates against cholesterol, the average American has no idea what it is but is quite certain that it is dangerous. Cholesterol in all reality, is a vital component for life. This waxy/fatty substance is the building block from which the body makes several important hormones: The adrenal hormones ( aldosterone, helps to regulate blood pressure and hydrocortosone the body's natural steroid ) and the sex hormones ( estrogen and testosterone ). Without enough cholesterol you won't make enough sex hormones and you will have a difficult time regulating your blood pressure.

It is the main component of bile which aid in the digestion of food. Without cholesterol we could not absorb fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, K, D and E, from the food we eat.It is cholesterol that is converted into vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight. It is important to treat the cause and not treat the symptom.

There is much more that cholesterol is responsible for but I lack the time to present it all here. However, I want to dispel any preconceived notions that cholesterol is evil.

Although some cholesterol does come from food, it is the liver's duty to manufacture and regulate the production of cholesterol. Regardless of how many eggs or steaks you might eat, if all is well systematically, the liver will compensate. When the liver fails to regulate cholesterol, levels will become elevated. THis is a sign that there is a systematic problem that often goes neglected.