Introduction
Lipids are the building blocks of the fats and fatty substances found in animals and plants. They are microscopic layered spheres of oil, which, in animals, are composed mainly of cholesterol, triglycerides, proteins (called lipoproteins), and phospholipids (molecules made up of phosphoric acid, fatty acids, and nitrogen). Lipids do not dissolve in water and are stored in the body to serve as sources of energy.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a white, powdery substance that is found in all animal cells and in animal-based foods (not in plants). In spite of its bad press, cholesterol is an essential nutrient necessary for many functions, including:
- Repairing cell membranes
- Manufacturing vitamin D on the skin's surface
- Producing hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone
- Possibly helping cell connections in the brain that are important for learning and memory
Regardless of these benefits, when cholesterol levels rise in the blood, they can have dangerous consequences, depending on the type of cholesterol. Although the body acquires some cholesterol through diet, about two-thirds is manufactured in the liver, its production stimulated by saturated fat. Saturated fats are found in animal products, meat, and dairy products.
Saturated fats are found predominantly in animal products, such as meat and dairy products, and are strongly associated with higher cholesterol levels. Tropical oils -- such as palm, coconut, and coconut butter -- are also high in saturated fats.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are composed of fatty acid molecules. They are the basic chemicals contained in fats in both animals and plants.
Lipoproteins
Lipoproteins are protein spheres that transport cholesterol, triglyceride, or other lipid molecules through the bloodstream. Most of the information about the effects of cholesterol and triglyceride actually concerns lipoproteins.
Lipoproteins are categorized into five types according to size and density. They can be further defined by whether they carry cholesterol or triglycerides.
Cholesterol-Carrying Lipoproteins. These are the lipoproteins commonly referred to as cholesterol.
- Low density lipoproteins (LDL). (Often called the "bad" cholesterol.)
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL), the smallest and most dense. (Referred to as the "good" cholesterol.)
Triglyceride-Carrying Lipoproteins.
- Intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL). They tend to carry triglycerides.
- Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). These tend to carry triglycerides.
- Chylomicrons (largest in size and lowest in density).
Lipoprotein(a). Lipoprotein(a), or lp(a), has a size and density somewhere between LDL and HDL. The molecules carry a protein that may interfere with the body's ability to dissolve blood clots. Lipoprotein(a) is being investigated as a possible marker or cause of heart disease.
Remnant Lipoproteins. Remnant lipoproteins are byproducts of chylomicrons, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), or both. Some research indicates that high levels may be an important risk factor for coronary artery disease, particularly in patients who have otherwise normal cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol and Triglycerides Goals
Reducing LDL and total cholesterol levels, while at the same time boosting HDL levels, can prevent heart attacks and death in all people (with or without heart disease). Reducing LDL is the primary goal of most cholesterol therapy.
