What Is Cholesterol?

It is a waxy substance found in animal food and is related to fat. It is just as high in some lean foods as it is in fatty foods.
Cholesterol plays a very important role in some body functions. It is a form of fat that the body needs in the enzyme system and in the manufacture of hormones.
The body can produce all the cholesterol it needs and does not require the cholesterol we eat in animal foods
Where there are advantages of cholesterol to body with it comes some of its drawback. Anything taken in excess is harmful for the normal functioning of the body. A high level of blood cholesterol is a clear sign of a raised risk of heart attack and stroke. It has been shown that in a minority, blood cholesterol increases when the foods rich in cholesterol such as liver, eggs and shellfish are eaten. However in most people the cause of raised blood cholesterol level is an unbalanced diet. The most effective way to reduce raised cholesterol level is to reduce the intake of saturated fat. In addition, stop smoking, try to lose weight and get regular exercise. The more you exercise the more the greater is the drop in the raised cholesterol level.