Cholesterol

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is an organic compound belonging to the steroid family and occurring either in a free state or as esters of fatty acid in practically all animal tissues. The molecular formula for cholesterol is C₂₇H₄₆0. In a normal man it is about 0.3 percent of his average weight. It is the starting material from which the body produces bile acids, steroid hormones and pro-vitamin substances in the body. It is used by our body to help the digestive system as well.

Cholesterol was discovered in 1812. Its name arises from its occurrences in gallstones derived from the Greek word chole-stereos-al meaning bile-solid. The synthesis of cholesterol occurs in various tissues and organs particularly, the brain, liver and arteries.

The increase in its quantity beyond a certain level can be harmful for our body. Excess of fat and cholesterol get deposited in the walls of arteries causing blockage and hardness thus obstructing the free flow of blood. Due to this, quantity of blood flowing in the arteries decreases and consequently the oxygen supply to vital parts of our body is also decreased. This condition is medically termed as arteriosclerosis. Small blood clots that would normally pass through blood vessels may get trapped by high cholesterol deposits.

We know that coronary arteries play a vital role for the heart to function. They provide oxygen and carry blood to the heart. If a coronary artery gets blocked that particular part of the heart may stop functioning leading to a major heart attack which can even prove fatal.

Cholesterol in blood can be controlled by a regulated diet. A high concentration of cholesterol is present in the foods of animal origin like meat, egg, butter etc. Doctors advise to avoid high-cholesterol foods by substituting unsaturated foods like fruits, vegetables, cereals and so on.

Lowering cholesterol levels in the blood can help to reduce the risk of heart attacks. Several other measures can be taken to maintain the desirable cholesterol level. This includes giving up smoking, regular exercises, avoidence of overeating and fatty substances.

Water

Water

Water is absolutely essential to every single form of life. Every living cell – plants and animals alike – depend on this substance. More than half of the human body is made up of water. Much the same time is true of other living things. Without water to drink, human beings would die in a very short time. The reason every living thing needs a certain amount of water is because the cells, the basic units that make up living things, have water molecules in them. Without water these basic units would be very different and of no use to life as we know it. In the course of a day, an adult human being takes in about two quarts in what we call solid foods, such as fruit, vegetables, bread, and meat.

These solid foods are not really dry, since they are thirty to ninety percent water. Besides these three quarts that enter the body from outside, about ten quarts of water pass back and forth within the body between the various organ systems. There are about five quarts of blood in the vessels of the body and three quarts of this is water. And this always remains unchanged. No matter how much water you drink you cannot dilute the blood.

Our sense of thirst is controlled in the brain. When the body requires more water, we experience the sensation of thirst. Usually our mouth and throat become dry – a signal for us to drink more fluids.