Although many people fight to lower cholesterol, this biomolecule is essential in human health. Cholesterol plays a role in the plasma membrane's rigidity surrounding the cell. Cholesterol also controls the types of fluids that enter the cell. Its function is required for cellular integrity.
Significance
Cholesterol spans the plasma membrane. Its role is to give the cell rigidity and to block certain biomolecules and fluids from entering the cell.
Structure
Cholesterol is a lipid molecule. Its base structure is three six-sided carbon rings and one five-sided carbon ring. These rings give cholesterol its insolubility.
Considerations
Cholesterol is synthesized by the liver. It's also available in the diet in animal products like red meat. Too much cholesterol in the diet can lead to heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Benefits
There are actually benefits to cholesterol. Studies have shown that cholesterol helps increase muscle gain. People who eat cholesterol have a better response to muscle repair, which is a part of muscle mass production.
Prevention
Prevention of high cholesterol is accomplished by eating a low-fat diet especially meals with high red meat content. When eating red meat, cut the excess fat to lower cholesterol composition.
