Cholesterol
The fat maintaining cell integrity and functions
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a substance that maintains cell integrity and functions. Cholesterol is made in the body and is present in every cell.
Cholesterol is also a member of the lipid family. Your body needs cholesterol to function normally. Cholesterol is part of every cell membrane and is present in every cell in the body. Cholesterol is present in brain and nervous system cells, muscles, skin, liver, and skeleton. Besides maintaining cell membranes, the body uses cholesterol to make the following essential substances to support the body's functions:
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Bile acids, which allow the digestion of fats;
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Many hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body. Hormones enter the bloodstream and travel to a target organ to influence what the organ does, such as the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone;
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Vitamin D.
Because the body makes its cholesterol, Cholesterol is not an essential nutrient.
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Which Foods Contain Cholesterol?
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Cholesterol is found only in animal foods. Eggs, meat, and whole milk provide most of the cholesterol we consume; these sources are also rich in saturated fat.