The American Heart Association describes cholesterol as "just one of the many substances created and used by our bodies to keep us healthy." With all of the bad press cholesterol gets, it might come as a surprise that it actually helps regulate a number of important bodily functions.

Cell Function

Cholesterol is pivotal for maintaining the consistency of cell membranes and aiding in protein functions, including: forming blood clots or thinning blood; allowing sugar into cells; and burning fat.

Heart Health

High-density lipoprotein--or "good" cholesterol--helps to prevent heart attacks by carrying "bad" cholesterol out of the arteries and back into the liver, where it is passed from the body.

Hormones

Cholesterol is a building block of protein. During times of stress or with aging, hormone levels may drop, and the body enlists the help of cholesterol to aid in hormone production.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is vital for strong bones and teeth and cholesterol aids in its production.

Bile Acids

Cholesterol makes synthesis of bile acids possible. Bile acids help the body digest fat and absorb important nutrients, while aiding in liver regeneration and energy expenditure.

Considerations

The liver usually produces enough cholesterol to maintain healthy bodily functions, so getting cholesterol from food sources is not necessary. Patients using cholesterol-lowering drugs--statins--must monitor their diets to make sure that their cholesterol levels remain healthy, as low cholesterol has actually been linked to depression, anxiety and other health issues.

Source:

American Heart Association: Cholesterol

HealthCentral: Why do we need Cholesterol?

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