What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is oily in nature but is not the same as fat. It is an essential molecule to our well being as it helps for making cell membranes, steroid hormones, nerve sheaths, manufacture bile acids, and much more. The liver makes most of the cholesterol and the rest comes from the diet.

Cholesterol is a member of a class of naturally occurring compounds called sterols. It is an essential part of the fatty sheath that insulates nerves and the outer membrane of all animal cells, and is a component of chemicals that include steroids and sex hormones such as androgens and estrogens.

Cholesterol can react with oxygen to become oxidized in the body. Oxidized cholesterol can injure endothelial cells and trigger or contribute to the process of atherosclerosis, Cholesterol in tallow use in some fast-food cooking, powered eggs, and french fries is oxidized. Oxidized cholesterol is also found in package mixes, powdered custards, and powdered whole milk.

Antioxidants are believed to protect cholesterol from becoming oxidized. Antioxidants act as electron donors and deactivate free radicals, preventing free radicals from injuring.
What is cholesterol?