The Physics of Cholesterol Utilisation . . .
Because cholesterol is not dissolvable in water, it can only be transported through the body by being attached to water soluble substances in the blood. Three proteins, lipoproteins, perform this function. (lipo - fat, protein - protein) These consist of;
a) very low-density lipoprotein
b) low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
c) high density lipoprotein (HDL)
The first two, a) very low density lipoprotein and b) medium density lipoprotein, carry cholesterol to the body in order to enable us to work. These do this by absorbing oxygen (oxidisation) and being taken up by the oxygen carriers, the red blood cells, which then carry them all over the body. Hence -
Cholesterol attaches to a) very low-density lipoprotein and b) low-density lipoprotein which absorbs oxygen and is taken up by red blood cells which carries them all over the body.
The cholesterol can then be utilized, which include being deposited and laid down in the lining of the blood vessels, particularly the arteries. The layer of cholesterol lining the arteries normally acts as a smooth protective coating. However when the layer of cholesterol becomes too thick, it forms plates of plaque. This restricts the blood flow and decreased the elasticity of the artery. Also when the plaque is thick it becomes roughened and causes clots to form on the rough surfaces. Arteries so effected are referred to as 'harden' and this is part of the normal aging process. However if the process has been accelerated by overwork then it can be reversed to the natural level by removing the overwork and increasing the relaxation and rest.
The third, c) high density lipoprotein, absorbs the cholesterol from the body and allow it to be stored or, if the body has enough, to be disposed of.
