Cholesterol is one of the body's lipids (fats).

It is the most common organic molecule disseminated in our entire body, including the brain. Life is impossible in absence of immediate and abundant reserves of cholesterol in our bodies.

Cholesterol is an essential component of the membrane surrounding every cell. The task of cholesterol in this fatty double layer of the cell wall membrane is a very important one. It must assign the proper value to the fluid level and membrane rigidity for both cell function and stability.

In association with another lipid, triglyceride, cholesterol is an essential constituent in the structure of cells and are also used in making hormones and producing energy.

Then if cholesterol is our enemy, it is a strange one we cannot live without.

Cholesterol is made by our liver mainly (about 1,000 milligrams a day). But it is also produced by cells lining the small intestine and by other individual cells. In very simple words we can consider there are two types of cholesterol: a 'good' type called HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and a 'bad' type called LDL ( Low Density Lipoprotein).

HDL has a positive effect in cholesterol tissue reducing and taking it back to the liver for regeneration. You may not believe, but HDL actually protects our body against atherosclerosis. LDL may contribute to diseases of the arteries such as cardiovascular disease.

We all know there is a permanent fear of cholesterol. But the real fact is that it is the proportion of LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol that influences our cardiovascular risk and especially the point to which atherosclerosis becomes likely to cause problems.

If HDL-cholesterol level can be raised by physical exercising, LDL-cholesterol level can be lowered eating a low fat diet and, if required by a medical prescription, by taking medication.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues such as cholesterol level in blood.