Cholesterol Is Found Throughout the Body
“Cholesterol is found in every cell of your body — it’s not the villain people think it is.” – Dr Devinder Singh
Cholesterol is a natural and essential substance within the human body.
It forms part of every cell membrane, maintaining structure and flexibility so cells can function properly.
Vital organs such as the brain, liver, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs all rely on cholesterol.
Rather than seeing it as harmful, it’s more accurate to understand cholesterol as necessary — but best kept in healthy balance.
The Liver’s Central Role in Cholesterol Regulation
“The liver is your body’s main cholesterol factory — it decides how much to make, and how much to release.” – Dr Devinder Singh
The liver produces about 80 percent of the cholesterol in your bloodstream, while only around 20 percent comes from food.
Even when eating well, your cholesterol level still depends largely on how efficiently your liver regulates production and clearance.
When this regulation is disrupted — through genetic predisposition, fatty-liver changes, or metabolic issues — cholesterol can rise despite a balanced diet.
Supporting liver health through exercise, weight control, and adequate hydration helps your body maintain normal cholesterol levels naturally.
Why the Body Needs Cholesterol
Cholesterol serves as a building block for key compounds, including:
Hormones such as oestrogen, testosterone, and cortisol
Vitamin D, which supports bone strength and immunity
Bile acids, which help digest dietary fats
As Dr Devinder Singh noted, cholesterol is vital for normal body function.
Health issues arise when the ratio of LDL (“bad”) to HDL (“good”) cholesterol becomes unbalanced — not from cholesterol’s mere presence.
Diet Still Plays a Supporting Role
“Food choices still count, because what you eat affects how your liver behaves.” – Dr Devinder Singh
While diet contributes only about 20 percent of total cholesterol, what you eat can influence how your liver produces and processes it.
Saturated and trans fats encourage the liver to produce more LDL cholesterol.
Fibre-rich foods, vegetables, and healthy fats (e.g. olive oil, avocado, nuts) support liver function and HDL levels.
The goal isn’t to eliminate cholesterol-containing foods entirely but to maintain moderation and variety that help your body self-regulate.
Know Your Body — Personalise Your Approach
Each person’s cholesterol profile is different.
Some individuals produce more LDL due to genetic factors, while others have lower HDL from sedentary habits or excess weight.
Knowing your body’s needs through regular screening and professional advice allows a more effective, individualised plan for maintaining heart and metabolic health.
Familial Hyperlipidaemia: Why Early Awareness Matters
“If your parents or siblings have high cholesterol, don’t wait — start making lifestyle changes early.” – Dr Devinder Singh
Familial hyperlipidaemia is an inherited condition that causes elevated cholesterol from a young age.
Even in people who appear healthy, it raises the lifetime risk of heart disease.
Dr Devinder Singh encourages early preventive habits — balanced nutrition, physical activity, and annual cholesterol checks — to slow plaque buildup long before symptoms appear.
How Cholesterol Affects the Heart
When LDL cholesterol builds up in the bloodstream, it can stick to artery walls, forming fatty plaques.
This process, known as atherosclerosis, causes arteries to narrow and stiffen, limiting blood flow.
Over time, this can lead to:
Angina (chest pain) from reduced oxygen supply to the heart
Heart attack, if a plaque ruptures and blocks blood flow
Stroke, if the blockage occurs in brain arteries
Meanwhile, HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol, transporting it back to the liver for disposal — a protective mechanism for the heart.
“Cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms until it’s already causing damage. By the time you feel something, the buildup may have been there for years.” – Dr Devinder Singh
Maintaining healthy LDL and HDL levels through lifestyle and, when needed, medication can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk.
Key Takeaways
Cholesterol is essential for cell and hormone health, but balance is crucial.
The liver regulates most cholesterol — protect it through good lifestyle habits.
Diet matters, though it influences only part of the total cholesterol picture.
Genetic factors and family history play a major role; early screening helps.
Excess LDL causes arterial buildup that can silently damage the heart over time.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, consider scheduling a lipid profile test and medical consultation.
Your doctor can recommend suitable lifestyle adjustments or treatment options to help manage cholesterol and protect your long-term heart health.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
Individuals should consult a licensed medical practitioner for personalised diagnosis and treatment.
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