Cholesterol is widely discussed in news media and by medical organizations; it has become feared among most individuals as a major threat for developing atherosclerosis or cardiovascular disease. Yet many would be astonished to discover that they may be misinformed.

As one of the many lipids in the cellular membrane, cholesterol is a vital component of every cell, allowing the cellular membrane to maintain fluidity. Moreover, it plays a role in the synthesis of bile, serves as a precursor for steroid hormones, assists in the metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and can also serve as an antioxidant.

As a precursor for steroid hormones, cholesterol must be present to produce cortisol, aldosterone, progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen. These hormones are useful for responding to stress by maintaining a sugar balance in the blood, maintaining salt balance, and producing the effects of sex hormones on one's body.

Bile is vital for the body to emulsify fat for absorption. Remember that fat is vital for every cellular membrane - the real brain of the cell. Without adequate fat absorption and integration, each cell would begin to experience malfunction.

Fat soluble vitamins must be absorbed and properly metabolized to serve their purpose in the cellular reactions in the body. Without these vitamins, cellular reactions would discontinue functioning as needed and cellular health and function would decline.

Antioxidants are vital in the body to impede the progress of oxidation reactions. Just as oxidation (rust) will destroy a car, oxidation can destroy individual cells. Thus, many know that it is important to consume a proper quantity of antioxidants in their diet.

Most cholesterol is synthesized by the body in the liver, adrenal glands, intestines, and reproductive organs. Research has shown that the body will manufacture more cholesterol when the body receives a lowered intake from the diet and vice versa. In other words, the body is constantly maintaining a balanced level of cholesterol in the body. Thus, a healthy diet with a sufficient amount of cholesterol is not harmful.

With all of the important functions of cholesterol in the body to maintain health and vitality, why is cholesterol so widely feared? Commercials on television tout their ability to lower one's cholesterol by a few points. Food products market that they are cholesterol free. Pharmacies display banners suggesting that one know their "numbers" for the year. These are simply just emotional marketing tactics.

My extensive studies of the human body affirm that the body is self-healing and does all things according to its infinite wisdom to maintain health. The body continually attempts to sustain life through a process called homeostasis. Unfortunately, many times the body must sacrifice health for survival! The reason the body would choose survival over health would depend upon the current state of the body.

I acknowledge that a lowered or raised cholesterol level could be detrimental to one's health - a lowered or raised level of water intake could prove deathly as well. The body demands a homeostasis - a balance of all things.

Why then would the body decide to raise cholesterol? Many would say genetics in an effort to quickly abandon any personal responsibility to their health, but a quick research into epigenetics would prove that physical expression of genes is entirely based upon nature and nurture - emotions, environment, and nutrition.

The body increases cholesterol concentrations in order to keep the body functioning as optimally as possible. If there is a deficiency of products, it is logical to increase the amount of raw materials in order to increase the probability of obtaining additional products. Thus, if there is a hormonal imbalance, unhealthy cellular membranes, a bile issue, a lack of antioxidants, or a problem metabolizing fat-soluble vitamins, the body would find it necessary to increase the levels of cholesterol.

Instead of fearing cholesterol levels and attempting to lower the levels of cholesterol in the body through medications - even though the body increased the cholesterol levels by choice - it would benefit all individuals to go beyond the "number" or the "symptom" of high cholesterol and find the source of the problem. If cholesterol levels are dangerously high, the medications are an excellent choice for a temporary resolution. I suggest an inspection of all of the biological pathways of cholesterol for an observance of an abnormality and then a conservative approach, complimentary to the body to restore a balance - a homeostasis. Your health will thank you!