Understanding Cholesterol

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that circulates in your blood. It’s made by the liver but also enters the body via some of the foods we eat, particularly those high in saturated fats like red meats, butter, and processed foods.

Cholesterol gets a bad rap because of its link to heart disease, but in actuality, it’s necessary for good health. It helps build cell membranes and make hormones and vitamins. But too much of anything can be bad, including cholesterol. 

 Cholesterol becomes a problem when excess amounts build up on artery walls (a condition called atherosclerosis), which causes blockages that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. High cholesterol is a common yet silent condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 93 million Americans over the age of 20 have high total cholesterol, and many don’t know it.