Why cholesterol is your friend and helper

Cholesterol — is not a "poison", as often thought, but a vital substance:

• it is a component of all cell membranes.
• it is a raw material for the synthesis of steroid hormones (cortisol, sex hormones).
• it is used for the synthesis of vitamin D and bile acids.

The body produces up to 80% of cholesterol (liver, intestines), and the rest we obtain from food. Thus, cholesterol — is part of natural homeostasis.

The role of cholesterol plaques as a protective mechanism

Damage to the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) — is a trigger for atherosclerosis. The causes of damage can be:

• high blood pressure,
• oxidative stress (smoking, inflammation, hyperglycemia),
• excess free radicals,
• lack of antioxidants, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K2),
• metabolic syndrome.

When a vessel is damaged, the body activates a repair mechanism:

1. Monocytes arrive at the site of damage → they transform into macrophages.
2. Macrophages engulf oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL).
3. Foam cells are formed, which over time develop into an atherosclerotic plaque.

This plaque protects the vessel, «patching» the weak spot, like a biological "band-aid".

Why a plaque can become dangerous

As long as the plaque is stable, it does not lead to thrombus formation. But danger arises at the moment of inflammation. Inflammation occurs in response to any tissue damage, including:

• mechanical damage to blood vessels (for example, from pressure),
• oxidative stress,
• excess sugar, insulin, insulin resistance,
• smoking, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and omega-3.

Why carbohydrates — are the main "invisible enemy" of blood vessels

• Excessive fast carbohydrates lead to constant spikes in glucose and insulin, which accelerates glycation.
• Chronically high insulin causes systemic inflammation.
• On the background of insulin resistance, lipid metabolism is disrupted, increasing the number of small dense LDL particles, which are easily oxidized and incorporated into the vessel wall.

How to prevent plaque damage

1. Stabilization of blood sugar: low-carbohydrate diet, abandonment of sugar, fructose, starch.
2. Reduction of inflammation: omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA), vitamin D, magnesium, curcumin, resveratrol, physical activity and weight normalization.
3. Anti-glycation protection: alpha-lipoic acid, carnosine, vitamin B1 (in the form of benfotiamine).
4. Protection of the vascular wall: vitamins K2 and C (supporting collagen and preventing calcification), abandonment of smoking and chronic stress.