Human Anatomy and Physiology : III. Vitamins And Nutrition Part-IV

Cholesterol belongs to the steroid family of lipid (fat) compounds. It is a sterol (or modified steroid) - an unsaturated alcohol of the steroid family of compounds. It is a fatty alcohol found in animal fat. It is essential for the normal function of all animal cells and is a fundamental element of their cell membranes. It is also a precursor of various critical substances such as adrenal and gonadal steroid hormones and bile acids. High cholesterol level in the human body can cause a dangerous accumulation of cholesterol and other deposits on the walls of arteries (atherosclerosis, in which arteries becomes narrow and blocked). These deposits (plaques) can reduce blood flow through arteries, which can cause angina, heart attack or stroke.

Cholesterol belongs to the steroid family of lipid (fat) compounds. It is a sterol (or modified steroid) - an unsaturated alcohol of the steroid family of compounds. It is a fatty alcohol found in animal fat. It is essential for the normal function of all animal cells and is a fundamental element of their cell membranes. It is also a precursor of various critical substances such as adrenal and gonadal steroid hormones and bile acids. High cholesterol level in the human body can cause a dangerous accumulation of cholesterol and other deposits on the walls of arteries (atherosclerosis, in which arteries becomes narrow and blocked). These deposits (plaques) can reduce blood flow through arteries, which can cause angina, heart attack or stroke.

A triglyceride is an ester derived from glycerol and three fatty acids. Triglycerides are the main constituents of body fat in humans and other vertebrates, as well as vegetable fat. The high level of triglycerides is responsible for obesity and high blood pressure.