Functions of Cholesterol
- About 30% of all animal cell membranes are made of cholesterol. It is necessary for building and maintaining membranes. It changes the fluid in the membrane, which may impact the internal cell environment and is necessary for building and maintaining membranes. It also promotes transportation inside the cell.
- Cholesterol is a major precursor for the synthesis of various steroid hormones and also adrenal gland hormones like cortisol and aldosterone, vitamin D in the calcium metabolism, and sex hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.
- It also plays an important role in the immune system and brain synapses.
- Cholesterol is a component of bile salt and is oxidized by the liver into a variety of bile acids. It also helps the digestive system absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Cholesterol Formula
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is also known as cholesterin or cholesteryl alcohol. It is an organic compound that belongs to the steroid family and is a type of lipid. It is found in blood plasma and all animal tissues and can be found in large concentrations within the liver, spinal cord, and brain. It is a white or faintly yellow and almost odourless crystalline solid that has a molecular formula of C27H46O. It is an important part of the cell membrane and also a component of bile salt. To maintain a person’s health, the body needs cholesterol in limited amounts. The term “cholesterol” is derived from ancient Greek words “chole” and “stereos” which means “bile” and “solid” respectively and -ol for alcohol. Around 80% of the cholesterol required for the body is naturally produced by the liver and intestines, we can also consume it from different foods like poultry, eggs, dairy products, fish, and meat.