Cholesterol and Hormones

What has cholesterol got to do with hormone health?  A Lot!  Lets see why....

1. Cholesterol makes up 50 % of our cell wall membranes
2. The brain is made up of 60% cholesterol
3. Myelin sheaths, the protective coating around the nerves is made up of 20% cholesterol
4. We need cholesterol to assist in the conversion of sunshine to vitamin D through our skin
5. Cholesterol is a major component of bile, that helps to emulsify fats in the digestive tract
6. And importantly, cholesterol is the basis of our steroid hormones.  

This is a very simplified chart of the pathways needed to make our steroid hormones.  Yes at the top is cholesterol, and without cholesterol, you cannot make enough of these important steroid hormones.
Steroid hormones are a group of hormones, consisting of our reproductive hormones, cortisol our flight and fight hormone and aldosterone that regulates sodium levels and  blood pressure.  If we don't eat enough cholesterol our liver will make cholesterol to make these hormones, but ideally it is important to consume cholesterol.
Cholesterol is essential for life!
Learn more about the importance of eating fats and hormone health this Sunday, 11th September, at the boat shed, down the bottom of Gourley Ave, Balgowlah between 10 and 12md.  Please join our Expo and learn about hormones and health, resistance training, eating well and fitness programs for you.