Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a steroid alcohol (sterol) important to animal cell structure and related to coronary health.

Chemical Formula: C₂₇H₄₆O₁

Layman's explanation: Cholesterol is a hydrocarbon with one hydroxyl group. The body manufacutures 80% of the cholesterol needed in the liver,with the rest coming from animal foods. The cholesterol in the body is stored in our phospholipid cell membranes, and it helps prevent phospholipids from crystallizing. This molecule also affects membranes by increasing their stability causing them to be less permeable. If too much choloesterol is produced or consumed, a buildup occurrs in the arteries, and this can lead to heart disease. If the artery supplying blood to the heart is completely blocked, a heart attack results.

Keywords: lipoprotein, HDL, LDL

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