what is cholesterol in food

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the body and in animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy. It is not inherently "bad" as the body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. The biggest influence on blood cholesterol level is the mix of fats and carbohydrates in the diet, not the amount of cholesterol eaten from food. The liver produces cholesterol, but it can also be obtained from consuming animal-based foods. Its important to note that cholesterol is only found in animal products, and not in fruits, vegetables, grains, or other plant foods. Some high cholesterol foods include eggs, cheese, shellfish, pastured steak, organ meats, and full-fat yogurt. While certain cholesterol-rich foods are highly nutritious and can be beneficial to health, others, such as fried foods, are best to limit or avoid. Its important to be mindful of the mix of fats and carbohydrates in the diet, as well as the types of fats consumed, to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.