Cholesterol is a class of lipids (steroids), with a relatively complex chemical structure, abundant in the organs and tissues of animals.
This substance is transported by the blood, associated with certain types of proteins (lipoproteins), among the best known are: a low-density and high-density lipoproteins, respectively called LDL and HDL, assuming antagonistic behaviors in the body.
LDL cholesterol, also called “bad cholesterol”, can build up in the artery walls, forming fatty deposits, contributing to atherosclerosis (a disease that causes stiffening and loss of elasticity in the arteries, which can cause its clogging).
HDL cholesterol, known as "good cholesterol", is fundamental to the body's metabolism, participating in the membrane composition of cells, synthesis of male and female sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen), production of bile salts, as well as vitamin D.
Thus, a change in cholesterol level and a high concentration of LDL (hypercholesterolemia) and a low level of HDL increase the risk of diseases cardiovascular diseases that are aggravated by a number of factors: genetics, diet high in animal fat, diabetes and habits such as, for example, alcoholism.
At first, a healthy adult person has the following indexes for a balanced cholesterol pattern:
Cholesterol level less than 200mg / 100ml;
An LDL level less than 130mg / 100ml;
And an HDL level greater than 60mg/100ml in the blood.
By Krukemberghe Fonseca
Graduated in Biology
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/cuidados-com-colesterol.htm
