Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in blood and in every cell of the body. It is important for the proper functioning of our bodies, as it helps to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help us digest food. However, too much cholesterol in your blood can be harmful and can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Cholesterol is carried through your blood by particles called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your arteries and form plaque, which can lead to heart disease. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries and transport it back to your liver for processing.

Cholesterol can come from the food you eat, particularly from animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy. Eating too much of these foods can raise your cholesterol levels, especially if you already have a genetic predisposition for high cholesterol.