Cholesterol Flashcards
Is cholesterol soluble in water?
No
How is cholesterol transported in the bloodstream?
It combines with proteins to make soluble lipoproteins
What are LDL’s and what are they made from?
Low density lipoproteins, made from saturated triglycerides+cholesterol+protein
What do LDL’s do in the bloodstream?
They bind to receptors on cell membranes before being taken up by cells
Why are LDL’s bad?
Because as they are taken up by cells more lipid is deposited in artery walls, so more atheromas are formed and atherosclerosis develops faster
What are HDL’s and what are they made from?
High density lipoproteins made from unsaturated triglycerides+cholesterol+protein
What do HDL’s do in the bloodstream?
They transport cholesterol from body tissues to the liver, where its broken down
Why are HDL’s good?
Atherosclerosis plaques are taken away from arteries by the HDL’s
What happens when there is an excess of LDL in the diet?
Excess LDL’s overload the membrane receptors on cells, resulting in high blood cholesterol levels. Saturated fats may reduce the activity of LDL receptors so the LDL’s aren’t removed from the blood, increasing blood cholesterol levels
What do monounsaturated fats do to LDL’s
They help LDL removal from the blood
What do polyunsaturated fats do to help with LDL removal?
They increase LDLR activity so LDL’s are actively removed from the blood
Eating a low fat diet which particularly avoids saturated fats will help do what?
Reduce blood cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, which constitutes as the major component of the cholesterol risk for CVD.
