What Is Cholesterol?
Quick Facts
- Cholesterol comes from two sources. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. The rest of the cholesterol in your body comes from food from animals.
- When cholesterol levels are too high, it can affect your heart health.
- Many people do not have symptoms. A simple blood test, also called a lipid panel, can show where your levels are.
Where does cholesterol come from?
If you are reading this, you probably care about your health and want to understand how cholesterol works in your body. That is a great place to start.
So, what is cholesterol? What does it do?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body uses to build cells and to make hormones. Your body needs some cholesterol, but having too much in your blood increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cholesterol comes from two sources. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. The rest of the cholesterol in your body comes from foods from animals. For example, meat, poultry and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol.
Those same foods can also be high in saturated and trans fats. These fats can increase the cholesterol in your blood. For some people, this added cholesterol may increase their risk of heart disease and stroke.
Some tropical oils, such as palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil, contain saturated fat that can increase bad cholesterol. These oils are often found in baked goods and packaged foods.
Small changes can help support healthier cholesterol levels. Enjoy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, unsaturated fats and lean proteins as part of an overall healthy eating pattern. Limit ultra-processed foods that are high in saturated fats, added sugars and sodium.
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Why does cholesterol matter?
Cholesterol travels through your blood, and when levels increase, your risk of heart disease and stroke can go up. Getting your cholesterol tested helps you understand your levels and protect your heart health.
The two types of cholesterol are: LDL cholesterol, which is bad, and HDL, which is good. Too much LDL or too little HDL can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries that supply your heart and brain, which can lead to a heart attack or .
