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... the adrenal, and the white and grey matter of the brain and the peripheral nerves. Cholesterol is a component of cell membranes and furnishes the molecules for the synthesis of provitamin D, adrenocortical hormones like different type steroids, sex hormones, and bile salts. Our body can not function normally with out this lipid compound.

Hereditary, diet, and obesity are other important factors for high level of cholesterol. Nothing much can be done for hereditary factor, but a substantial reduction in your blood cholesterol level can be achieved safely through dietary modifications. There are food items that lower cholesterol level and others, which increases serum cholesterol level. A high level of blood cholesterol is a major risk factor of coronary heart disease and artherosclerosis. It is also increased in obesity, cirrhosis, gall bladder stones, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, diabetes and in some types of metabolic diseases.

Sources of Cholesterol

The sources of cholesterol are:

Endogenous synthesis from acetate by the liver and the intestines particularly the ileum.


Exogenous from food.

Endogenous cholesterol

The endogenous synthesis of cholesterol is partly regulated by the dietary cholesterol intake. Even on cholesterol free diet, the body for its need, cholesterol will be synthesised in the liver. The cholesterol absorption capacity of the intestines is limited to only 300 - 500 mg per day. Cholesterol synthesis is about 1.5 - 2 gm daily, which is about 3 - 6 times that, consumed in food.

Rich sources and foods that raise cholesterol

Butter, cheese, cream, egg yolk, kidney, liver, red meat, brain, biscuits, cakes, chocolates and pastries.

Poor sources and foods that lower cholesterol.

Egg white, fish, all unsaturated vegetables oils, skim milk, all vegetables, all fruits, whole meal bread, oats, cereals are poor source of cholesterol.

How does the diet help?

Saturated fatty acids are found to increase blood cholesterol, where as unsaturated fatty acids are found to decrease it. Cholesterol is found in the body even when the diet contains no cholesterol. Foods that containing cholesterol such as egg yolk, mutton, organ meat, prawns, lobsters etc, and saturated fatty acids are found to increase serum cholesterol levels.

Foods rich in cellulose and pectin mainly in fruits and vegetables are found to reduce serum cholesterol levels by preventing its absorption from the intestine. Turmeric contains a factor responsible for decreasing serum cholesterol levels. Onions, garlic, and bengal gram are believed to lower serum cholesterol levels but this is controversial. Foods containing soluble fibre such as oat meal, wheat bran, citrus fruits and beans dissolve in water and makes it great for cleaning out cholesterol

The amount of cholesterol in the diet is not reflected by the amount in the blood but this is mostly determined by the amount of saturated fat in the diet. High fibre in the diet reduces cholesterol. Pectin found in apples and guava lowers the level of serum cholesterol. It does not have much effect on serum triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. Legumes, other vegetables, and fruits can lower the level of serum cholesterol but the effect is usually small compared with its well-known effect on HDL and serum triglycerides.

Cholesterol level

In adult, 150 - 200mg/dl of cholesterol is considered as normal range. The level between 200 - 250 mg/dl of cholesterol is considered suspected or borderline range. Where as, above 250 mg/dl is considered as high and requires dietary or medical management.

Points to note

Eat a variety of foods.


Avoid too much saturated fat and cholesterol like butter, cheese, cream, egg yolk, kidney, liver, organ meats, red meat, brain, biscuits, cakes, chocolates and pastries.


Eat foods with adequate fibre like all vegetables, all fruits, whole meal bread, oats, and cereals.


Avoid too much sugar.


Avoid too much salt.


If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation