Our blood vessels can be damaged in a number of ways - through irritations caused by free radicals, viruses, depression or because they are structurally weak - and when this happens, the body's natural healing substance steps in to repair the damage. That substance is cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a high-molecular weight alcohol that is manufactured in the liver and in most human cells. Like saturated fats, the cholesterol we make and consume plays many vital roles: Along with saturated fats, cholesterol in the cell membrane gives our cells necessary stiffness and stability. It is a precursor to vitamin D, a very important fat - soluble vitamin needed for healthy bones and nervous system. It is needed for example for the manufacture of hormones like androgen, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone. and for mineral metabolism, muscle tone, insulin production, reproduction, immune system function and many other functions of our body.
Cholesterol is needed for proper function of serotonin in the brain, it is the body's 'feel - good” chemical.
Low cholesterol has been linked to aggressive and violent behavior, depression and suicide.
Far too much money is being made from unsuspecting patients who are being bombarded with a plethora of mis-information. Cholesterol is not a deadly poison, but a substance vital to the cells of all mammals.
Bill Hazeldine, Maungatapu.