What Is Oxidized Cholesterol?

By kevin

Article Sources

Medical Expert

More About Us

Cholesterol has been in the news since the 1950s when it was first discovered to cause heart disease. Since that time, most everyone has learned that keeping your heart healthy means avoiding foods like greasy hamburgers and French fries.

Now the news is full of reports about the dangers of oxidized cholesterol and the importance of avoiding certain oils. If you are confused about what to eat and what to avoid, here are 10 important things to know about oxidized cholesterol and its effect on your health.

1. What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is an organic molecule made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with the chemical formula C27H46O. It is classified as a lipid along with other substances like oil, fat, and wax. It is also considered a type of steroid. Cholesterol has a low melting point of 298 to 302 degrees Fahrenheit and does not dissolve in water.

Some people are surprised to learn that the human body makes its own cholesterol. It is manufactured by every cell in the body, with most created in the liver, intestines, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. From these locations, it is carried by the bloodstream to wherever it is needed.