
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a critical nutrient in omnivore dieters. Not because they take in too little of it, but too much. Sometimes too-much of one substance can also lead to critical amounts. Find out what it’s all about in this post.
Synthesis
Cholesterol is produced by all animals in the body itself. It is not necessary, even harmful, to take in additional cholesterol. Plants do not produce cholesterol. Therefore, cholesterol is found only in food of animal origin.
The body synthesizes cholesterol from acetyl-CoA, which is produced during energy production from carbohydrates (glucose).
Functions
The precursor to cholesterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol is an important factor in vitamin D synthesis. Cholesterol is important in the production of bile acid and certain steroid hormones. In addition, cholesterol is a component of cell membranes, where it provides stability and strength.
More precise distinctions
Cholesterol is divided into two types. The HDL and the LDL cholesterol. This distinction arises from the lipoprotein in which the cholesterol ester is transported. LDL (low density lipoprotein) transports cholesterol from the liver into the tissues, i.e. bloodstream. HDL (high density lipoprotein) collects cholesterol in tissues (blood) and transports it to the liver. Where it passes via bile acid into the intestine, where it is either excreted or reabsorbed.
The critical situation with LDL cholesterol
When additional cholesterol is absorbed, the balance is disturbed. There are more LDL cholesterol than HDL in the body. Thus, more cholesterol enters the blood, where tissue is damaged. If the balance is disturbed for a long time, this leads to the preliminary stage of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is associated not only with heart attack, but also with inflammation of the coronary arteries and stroke.
Occurrence
Since cholesterol is formed in the animal body, including humans, as needed, it is found only in products of animal origin. That is why vegan people have different cholesterol levels than omnivore people and vegetarians. An additional intake of cholesterol is completely unnecessary, since our body forms enough for its own needs.
Measures for too high LDL cholesterol
A whole-food plant-based lifestyle efficiently lowers cholesterol levels. In addition to avoiding animal products, cholesterol levels can also be optimized with the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g. omega-3 fatty acids). These fatty acids lower both total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol. In addition, HDL is increased in proportion, which has a protective effect. In this case, an individual consultation with a specialist is indispensable. Therefore, look for a nutritionist or vegan nutritionist who works with a physician.
What is an optimal cholesterol level?
According to Dr. Michael Greger1, the optimal value for LDL cholesterol is between 30 and 70 mg/dl or 0.8-1.8 mmol/l (millimol/liter). This is the value with which one is born. The total cholesterol value should be below 150 mg/dl. This is the level below which no further deaths from coronary disease were reported in the Framingham study. 70 mg/dl LDL cholesterol corresponds to a total cholesterol value of 150 mg/dl.
1 How not to die. Dr. Michael Greger. Narayana Publishing House. Kandern. 7th German edition 2018. page 22 and https://nutritionfacts.org/video/how-low-should-you-go-for-ideal-cholesterol-levels dated September 5, 2022.

