What Is Bile?
7. Regulates Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is an insoluble lipid that is naturally produced by the liver or acquired from foods like meat and dairy. Although it often gets bad publicity, cholesterol is a vital substance that plays a key role in building cell structures and making hormones.
However, having too much or too little of it inside the cells may interfere with normal cell function. Too much cholesterol can be toxic and is responsible for initiating the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. And because cells can synthesize the cholesterol needed for their functioning, there is need to eliminate excess cholesterol. Elimination of cholesterol in large quantities takes place inside the liver, after which, this excess cholesterol is eliminated through bile fluid. This process is called biliary elimination and is key in maintaining cholesterol balance in the body.
Advertisement
