CHOLESTEROL AND FATTY ACIDS
Oct 15, 2009 5:35:51 GMT 10
Post by Tom Meulman on Oct 15, 2009 5:35:51 GMT 10
CHOLESTEROL AND FATTY ACIDS
Fatty acids are an essential part of the diet, and influence the growth of skin, healthy hair, kidney function and optimum utilization of energy.
The ability to breakdown the fatty acid to components that can be absorbed into the bloodstream depends upon the availability of bile and pancreatic juice.
The Cholesterol part of the fatty acids is also required for maintaining energy levels, and the production of steroid hormones.
Cholesterol from egg yolk, meat and cod liver oil is easiest to absorb, while the addition of fatty acids from plant oils to the diet, such as peanut, corn or safflower oil reduces the absorption of cholesterol.
The body also synthesizes cholesterol, mainly in the liver.
The cholesterol in the bloodstream is mostly derived from cholesterol synthesized by the body, while the fatty acids in the diet contribute to fat stores.
Approximately 50% of all body fat are stored in subcutaneous tissue (under the skin), while less than 5% is stored in muscle tissue.
The liver plays a central role in the processing of cholesterol, both by synthesizing cholesterol and adding it to the blood, and removing it by oxidization and excreting it into the bile.
However, both the thyroid and the adrenal gland influence the speed at which the liver processes fatty acids and cholesterol.
Low thyroid levels may lead to increased fat storage, as well as elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood, while prolonged high levels of blood cholesterol may further reduce thyroid function.
Hyperadrenocorticism (severe stress) will also reduce thyroid function and increase the levels of cholesterol.
Fatty acids are an essential part of the diet, and influence the growth of skin, healthy hair, kidney function and optimum utilization of energy.
The ability to breakdown the fatty acid to components that can be absorbed into the bloodstream depends upon the availability of bile and pancreatic juice.
The Cholesterol part of the fatty acids is also required for maintaining energy levels, and the production of steroid hormones.
Cholesterol from egg yolk, meat and cod liver oil is easiest to absorb, while the addition of fatty acids from plant oils to the diet, such as peanut, corn or safflower oil reduces the absorption of cholesterol.
The body also synthesizes cholesterol, mainly in the liver.
The cholesterol in the bloodstream is mostly derived from cholesterol synthesized by the body, while the fatty acids in the diet contribute to fat stores.
Approximately 50% of all body fat are stored in subcutaneous tissue (under the skin), while less than 5% is stored in muscle tissue.
The liver plays a central role in the processing of cholesterol, both by synthesizing cholesterol and adding it to the blood, and removing it by oxidization and excreting it into the bile.
However, both the thyroid and the adrenal gland influence the speed at which the liver processes fatty acids and cholesterol.
Low thyroid levels may lead to increased fat storage, as well as elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood, while prolonged high levels of blood cholesterol may further reduce thyroid function.
Hyperadrenocorticism (severe stress) will also reduce thyroid function and increase the levels of cholesterol.