Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells in the body and is essential for many metabolic processes. It is carried around the body by two key transport systems in the blood, which include low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) . LDL is sometimes called "bad" cholesterol because a high LDL level leads to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, while HDL is called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your body.
Cholesterol is produced by the liver and also made by most cells in the body. It is also found in foods from animal sources, such as egg yolks, meat, and cheese. While your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods, too much cholesterol can pose a problem. High cholesterol contributes to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke.
There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high cholesterol, and a blood test is needed to measure your cholesterol level. The most common cause of high cholesterol is an unhealthy lifestyle, which can include unhealthy eating habits, such as eating lots of bad fats. To keep your cholesterol in check, you can make dietary changes such as enjoying foods with plant sterols and stanols, eating foods that may lower cholesterol levels, and avoiding saturated and trans fats. Medication may also be needed for high cholesterol.
