Cholesterol: a lipid essential to the body's health

Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) that is essential for the body to function properly. Mostly synthesized by the liver, it is also present in certain animal foods. Contrary to its sometimes negative reputation, cholesterol plays a crucial role in many biological functions. However, balanced management of blood cholesterol levels is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health.

A component of cell membranes: Nearly 90% of the cholesterol present in our bodies is incorporated into cell membranes. It ensures their stability, fluidity and impermeability, enabling a controlled exchange of substances between the inside and outside of cells. This function is crucial to the survival and proper functioning of cells in all body tissues.
Hormone precursor: Cholesterol is a fundamental precursor for the synthesis of certain essential hormones. It is used in the production of sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, and adrenal hormones, such as cortisone and aldosterone. These hormones regulate numerous physiological processes, including reproduction, metabolism and stress response.
Fetal development and brain function: During embryonic development, cholesterol plays a key role in controlling the growth and differentiation of certain cells. In the brain, it promotes the formation of synapses, the essential connections between neurons, supporting cognitive functions and the transmission of information.
Bile production and fat digestion: Cholesterol is a major component of bile, a liquid secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile acts as an emulsifier, mixing dietary fats with water and facilitating their digestion and absorption in the intestine.
Vitamin D precursor: Under the effect of the sun's UV rays, cholesterol is converted into vitamin D in the skin. This vitamin is essential for the regulation of calcium and phosphorus, playing a crucial role in bone health, immunity and various metabolic functions.

Cholesterol transport in the body

Cholesterol is transported in the blood by molecules called lipoproteins, which ensure its delivery to the various cells and tissues. There are two main types of lipoproteins, each with a distinct function and impact on health:

LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein): LDL, often referred to as "bad cholesterol", transports cholesterol from the liver to the cells. However, an excess of LDL can lead to its accumulation in artery walls, forming atheromatous plaques. These deposits reduce blood circulation and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes.
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein): HDL, or "good cholesterol", plays a protective role by transporting excess cholesterol from tissues and arteries to the liver, where it is eliminated or transformed. High HDL levels are associated with better cardiovascular health.
Total cholesterol: Total cholesterol is the sum of LDL and HDL in the blood. Although it gives an overall picture, it is important to assess the respective proportions of LDL and HDL for an accurate interpretation of cardiovascular risk.

A vital balance: the role of cholesterol management

Although cholesterol is essential for good health, an imbalance in blood levels can have serious consequences. Excessive LDL cholesterol, in particular, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Conversely, insufficient HDL levels can reduce the body's ability to eliminate excess cholesterol.

To maintain this balance, we recommend a diet rich in fiber, fruit, vegetables and unsaturated fatty acids, while limiting saturated and trans fats. Regular physical activity, weight management and avoidance of smoking also help to improve lipid profile.

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Bad cholesterol is deposited in the bloodstream in the form offatty deposits. Eventually, cholesterol narrows blood vessels, preventing blood from circulating properly and partially obstructing tissues. A clot can then form, completely blocking an artery and causing serious health problems. Excess cholesterol is detrimental to health, and can lead in the long term to heart attacks , strokes and arteritis of the lower limbs.
Our cholesterol levels reflect our diet, which is often too rich in fats.

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Insulin resistance: an example of an intermediate state of health which, if detected early, can easily be reversed.

After a meal, insulin secreted by the pancreas signals the body to lower circulating sugar levels. This mechanism maintains blood sugar levels at an appropriate level. When this mechanism is disrupted, the body's organs have difficulty in capturing and storing sugar as efficiently: this is known as insulin resistance. In its early stages, this phenomenon may go undetected, as the pancreas can produce larger quantities of insulin to compensate for this loss of efficiency, enabling the organs to continue to capture and store sufficient sugar.

While this compensatory hyperinsulinemia helps to maintain blood sugar levels at roughly normal levels, it causes various metabolic abnormalities (dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, hypertension) which can represent a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. And when insulin overproduction persists, the pancreas becomes exhausted, stops producing insulin and type 2 diabetes appears, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke) and damage to tissues whose function depends on small blood vessels, such as the retina, kidneys or nerves.

The good news is that this phenomenon is not irreversible, and can be resolved by a change in lifestyle. For example, the study published in 2018 in the journal Nutrients shows that adopting a diet consisting mainly of low-fat plant-based foods improves insulin sensitivity in overweight people. Physical activity is another avenue: the study of 44,828 Chinese adults aged between 20 and 80 with above-normal fasting blood sugar levels, published in 2018 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, showed that those who were most physically active had a 25% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

What dietary supplements for physiological comfort does Soin-et-Nature offer?

Soin-et-Nature offers a varied selection of food supplements dedicated to physiological comfort, tailored to your body's specific needs. Here are the main categories available:

For urinary comfort and prostate health, targeted supplements help maintain a healthy genito-urinary balance.
For support of the genitourinary system, natural solutions promote optimal functioning and protect against discomfort.
To strengthen muscles and support physical performance, muscle-specific dietary supplements are available.
To manage cholesterol and support cardiovascular health, targeted supplements help maintain a healthy lipid-cardio balance.
To enhance skin health and beauty, specific dietary supplements nourish and protect the epidermis from within.
For natural skin care, natural dermocosmetic solutions offer protection and hydration.
To enjoy the benefits of cranberry, supplements based on this berry are available to support urinary health.

These dietary supplements for physiological comfort, available on Soin-et-Nature, meet your specific needs while promoting overall natural well-being.