The importance of dietary cholesterol
Cholesterol is a substance produced by the liver and present in every cell of the body. Its role is to essentially render cells waterproof, creating a protective barrier between the cells interior and exterior. This means that cholesterol is a component of every cell membrane. Consuming merely 200mg of cholesterol daily, roughly the quantity found in one egg yolk, signals the body to prompt the liver into generating an additional 800mg from raw materials such as fats, sugars, and proteins. Since 2015, the United States has removed the upper limit for cholesterol and dietary fat intake. Heart disease was rare before the 20th century, and major medical textbooks did not address coronary heart disease. Today, it is estimated that cardiovascular disease claims 17 million lives each year. Cholesterol is essential for the body, with 25% of it located in the brain, which itself is composed of 60% fat. A lack of cholesterol can be fatal. Notably the liver produces over 80% of the body's cholesterol, with only a small portion coming from diet. Furthermore, 25% of the body's cholesterol is found in the brain, and about 70% constitutes the myelin sheath, the outer layer of our nerves. Upon initial review, the cholesterol guidelines from the US and Europe seem to exhibit notable differences. Both regions recommend statin therapy for adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and possible familial hyperlipidaemia. However, the 2011 ESC/EAS guidelines from Europe also recommend therapy for adults with severe hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD), while the ACC/AHA guidelines in the United States do not automatically include these groups for statin therapy. Understanding lipoproteins fats and cholesterol Lipoproteins act as transport systems that manage the types of fats, such as HDL and LDL, and their movement throughout the body. Lipids, which include fatty acids, triglycerides, and cholesterol, are carried by these lipoproteins. Imagine lipoproteins as vessels transporting fats. Since triglycerides, cholesterol, and fat-soluble vitamins are water-repellent, they require these lipoprotein vessels for transport in the body. The liver, with its receptors, regulates the circulation of cholesterol. Suboptimal liver function can impair cholesterol regulation. Cholesterol is vital for muscle repair and various cellular functions. Hence, in cardiovascular disease, increased cholesterol levels are observed in the affected areas. However, cholesterol is not the cause of the problem; rather, it is delivered there by the lipoprotein vessels to aid in addressing the issue.