Category: Cholesterol

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is an organic compound that belongs to a class of “natural fatty acids” and is normally present in the membranes of animal cells. Every day, in the course of metabolism, this essential compound (translated from ancient Greek – “hard bile”) is synthesized from glucose, fats, and amino acids, weighing up to 2.5g. A smaller part of it (0.5g) comes from food sources.

Physical Properties of Cholesterol

At room temperature, this water-insoluble substance is always in a solid state (density – 1.07g /cubic centimetres). It begins to melt only at a temperature of 148°C and boils at 360°C.

Physiological Significance of Cholesterol

The physiological significance of this compound is often underestimated! It is vital for human health, as it performs a lot of useful functions, including:

Key Functions:

• Vitamin D Production: Cholesterol promotes the production of Vitamin D in the skin.
• Hormone Synthesis: It participates in the synthesis of cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other steroid hormones.
• Bile Acids Component: Cholesterol is an obligatory component of bile acids, contributing to the digestion of fatty foods.
• Membrane Stability: This compound stabilizes the fluidity of the plasma membrane.
• Red Blood Cell Protection: It helps protect red blood cells from destruction by blood toxins.
• Cell Viability: Cholesterol ensures the viability of cell membranes when they are overheated, among other functions.
• Ultimately, without this bioactive substance, cell permeability is impaired.