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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 13, 2014 5:03 PM IST
High cholesterol levels are known to cause a lot of trouble by paving ways for various other lifestyle diseases like cardiovascular diseases , angina, stroke, atherosclerosis and has also been linked to hypertension and diabetes. While you might be aware of diet tips and other things linked to cholesterol, here are 8 surprising things you didn't know about cholesterol.
By mapping the structure of a key enzyme involved in cholesterol production, researchers have gained new insights into genetic disorders as well as the possibility of new approaches to lowering blood cholesterol when it becomes dangerously high. The cholesterol-making process in cells requires about 30 chemical reactions and 20 enzymes, seven of which are embedded in the cellular membrane.
The mapping project focused on one of these, sterol reductase, which helps two electrons travel from a molecule known as NADPH to another molecule that will eventually become cholesterol. This type of reaction is known as a reduction. 'This is the first report to pinpoint the location of every atom - in this case nearly 3,000 of them - in one of the membrane-embedded enzyme cells use to make cholesterol,' said co-researcher Ganter Blobel from the Rockefeller University in the US. (Read: Common queries about cholesterol, lipid profile, VLDL, HDL, triglycerides )
'With the structure of this enzyme, we can better understand how the body synthesizes it,' Blobel added. 'Our images revealed two pockets within the enzyme's architecture. One contains the NADPH, and the other provides access to the cholesterol precursor. When in place, these molecules are close enough to spark this important step in the synthesis of cholesterol,' first author, Xiaochun Li pointed out. (Read: Beat bad cholesterol with garlic)
The research also has implications for treatment of high cholesterol, Blobel noted. 'Many of the pills currently available interfere with early steps in the complex series of reactions, which generate cholesterol. Our reaction occurs later, and may offer a new target worth investigating,' Blobel added. Cholesterol can become a hazard when travelling in the blood, leading to the formation of potentially blood-vessel blocking plaques. (Read: Cholesterol control mega guide all you need to know to prevent heart disease)
The findings appeared in the journal Nature.
Here are five foods that can bring down cholesterol levels:
Superfruits: Following recent nutritional studies, several fruits have been labeled superfoods due to their ability to combat harmful fats and reduce bad cholesterol. For instance, it was recently revealed that strawberries have the ability to reduce LDL, the harmful form of cholesterol, by nearly 14 percent, according to research carried out by Universit Politecnica Delle Marche in Italy.
Unsaturated fats: Consuming omega-3 essential fatty acids, found in unsaturated fats, will help to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Unsaturated fats include oily fish, nuts and seeds, ground flax seeds, olive oil and certain vegetables and fruits such as avocado.
Fibre: Beans, pulses, vegetables, cereal and whole grain breads all have a high fermentable fibre content and are therefore difficult for the gut to digest so they attach to bad cholesterol and then remove it from the body via waste.
Fibre: Beans, pulses, vegetables, cereal and whole grain breads all have a high fermentable fibre content and are therefore difficult for the gut to digest so they attach to bad cholesterol and then remove it from the body via waste. Read more about 5 foods that can help you bring down your bad cholesterol levels
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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