Human body is prone to several issues when one or many essential molecules start behaving differently. Cholesterol is a waxy substance made of fat or lipid molecules. Physiologically, cholesterol is essential for the normal functioning of the body. Cholesterol can be found in the body cells wherein the molecules reside in the cell membrane and perform the function of protecting nerve cells and messenger molecules. However, with the rise in cholesterol levels there are vital conce
s which can distort the whole functioning of the body, primarily affecting a person’s blood pressure, diabetes and increase in vascular diseases.
How is Cholesterol Produced?
Production of cholesterol takes place in the liver and intestines where around 80% of the total cholesterol is produced daily. Other organs such as adrenal glands and reproductive organs also produce a considerable amount of cholesterol. Higher concentration of a particular type of cholesterol is physiologically harmful and in not addresses in time can lead to serious complications including hypercholesterolaemia and hypocholesterolaemia.
Hypercholesterolaemia is one of the leading causes of death in the world according to WHO. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), situated in the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death, claiming the lives of 600,000 annually. In addition, of the 71 millio
American adults diagnosed with higher concentrations of cholesterol, only one out of every three has the condition under control.
Cholesterol Related Diseases and Approved Testing
According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol testing is recommended every 4-6 years for people of age 20 years or older. In addition, AHA has also recommended cholesterol testing for patients on statin medication to test cholesterol after 4-12 weeks of their first dose and thereafter every 3-12 months.
In the blood, cholesterol is carried through proteins and their combination is known as lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins- high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL).
-High-density lipoproteins (HDL) – High-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol molecules away from the cells and back to the liver. In the liver, HDL is either broken down or released which is ultimately passed out of the body as a waste product. Owing to this reason, HDL is also known as "good cholesterol" as higher levels of this cholesterol is not harmful to the human body.
-Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – Low-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol molecules to the cells that present its need. However, excessive concentration of LDL is present for the cell, excess molecules are stuck to the artery walls. This leads to different disease of arteries and causes blockage to blood flow. Owing to these reasons, Low-density lipids are known as “bad cholesterol” as their higher level leads to physiological complications.
-Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) - According to the classification based on density, VLDL are produced in the liver from triacylglycerol and cholesterol, a cholesterol not used in the synthesis of bile acids.
An unhealthy diet, smoking, diabetes and family history of stroke or heart disease are responsible for the development of high levels of Low-density lipids or bad cholesterol. High cholesterol concentrations in the blood from the time of birth can lead to early onset of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Phytosterols, cholesterols found in plant cells, also play an important role in lowering the levels of LDLs in the blood. According to supplemental guidelines of FDA, Health Canada, EFSA and ATP III, the recommended dose of phytosterols are 1.6–3.0 grams per day.
Cholesterol Controlling Products
With the perspective of medicine, cholesterol-lowering drugs and nutraceutical ingredients are available over the counter. Usually, pharmaceutical statins are prescribed for the management of high cholesterol condition. However, conce
s regarding potential side effects and instances of product recalls have led consumers to increasingly seek resources of natural cholesterol as well as natural solutions for cardiovascular health. Currently, products with omega-3 continue are dominating the cholesterol market wherein omega-3 remains the choice of ingredients.
Cholesterol market is witnessing implications of significant transitions of consumer preference who are showing a higher preference for nutraceuticals and natural therapies.
Dissemination of knowledge about controlling cholesterol levels in natural ways by following healthy habits is gaining center stage to address harmful implications of cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy balanced diet with low-fat concentration is the well-accepted trend. Further, swapping of food containing saturated fat for fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals is another way of maintaining a balanced diet. Regular exercise regimen and giving up smoking can also significantly control cholesterol levels. Moreover, adequate dietary consumption of cholesterol is necessary. Major dietary sources of cholesterol include cheese, beef, egg yolk, fish, poultry, and pork. A significant concentration of cholesterol is also present in the human breast milk.