Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all the cells in the body. It is an essential structural component of animal cell membranes and is also a precursor for the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, bile acid, and vitamin D. The liver makes all the cholesterol the body needs, but it can also come from foods from animal sources, such as meat, poultry, and dairy products.
Cholesterol is not inherently "bad," as the body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. However, too much cholesterol, especially when bound to low-density lipoprotein (LDL, often referred to as "bad cholesterol"), may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. High levels of cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the walls of arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can cause coronary artery disease and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Different types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol in the blood, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) . HDL is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood and transport it to the liver for processing and removal. LDL, on the other hand, is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because it can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
In summary, cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential for the body but can be harmful in excess, especially when bound to LDL. It is found in all cells in the body and can come from foods from animal sources. High levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and different types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol in the blood.
