|
Cholesterol. You must have heard it from your parent or grand parent that they are suffering from bad cholesterol. Cholesterol is a sterol that is a combination of steroids and alcohol. It is a lipid that is found in cell membranes inside all body tissues. Researchers first found cholesterol in solid form in form of gallstones. It fetches its name from Greek terminology, where ‘chole’ meaning bile, ‘stereos’ meaning solid and ‘ol’ from the chemical suffix of alcohol.
Mostly cholesterol is not dietary in nature; it is also formed inside the body. It is present in much larger concentrations in tissues, which either produce more or have more densely packed membranes. It plays a central role in many biochemical processes inside the body and hence is of vital importance. Though a little amount is fine, but excess of everything is bad. It is the case with cholesterol, if in excess can cause major complications. It is best known for the originator for cardiovascular disease.
NAC or N-AcetyleCysteine is the amino acid L-Cysteine plus an acetyl group attached to the amino (NH2) group. It helps to speed absorption and distribution on orally ingested Cysteine. Cysteine is primarily an amino acid, which is present in proteins. N-Acetyle Cysteine is a derivative of Cysteine and is commonly found in food and is synthesized by the body. NAC is also available as a supplement and performs very important functions. These functions include breaking down mucus, producing Glutathione – an important antioxidant, and protecting the body from acetaminophen toxicity.
NAC helps in controlling cholesterol levels. In combination with nitroglycerin, it is a drug that dilates blood vessels, helps decrease the rate of acute heart attacks in patients with angina pectoris i.e. pain in the center of chest. The primary dietary sources that can provide NAC include wheat germ, granola, oat flakes, cottage cheese, yogurt, pork, sausage meat, chicken, turkey, etc.
Normally the quantity of NAC is maintained in the body through the intake of these primary resources, but sometimes due to some bioprocesses, this level reduces and can induce cholesterol related diseases. When a person is suffering from cholesterol related disease or in other terms ‘bad cholesterol’ he is advised a dosage of around 1200 to 3600 mg per day. This quantity differs from patient to patient and is dependent upon the how bad the situation actually is. Persons of all age group can suffer from cholesterol related problems, but it is most common in the 35- 50 age group.
So, the next time you hear your parents or friends talking to the doctor about bad cholesterol, you know that they are talking about low-density lipoprotein or LDL as it is commonly called. Thus, you can now tell your parents or friends or any person suffering from bad cholesterol, about NAC and its advantages in curing such health related concerns.
By: Rich Marsiglia
|