Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. It plays an important role in your body, but too much of it can be bad for your health. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.

It’s important to understand what cholesterol is and how it affects your health. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells in your body. It helps your body make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods.

Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, but you can also get it from the foods you eat. Foods that are high in cholesterol include egg yolks, organ meats, full-fat dairy products, and certain types of seafood.

Having too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease. High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can block blood flow to your heart and cause a heart attack. It can also increase your risk of stroke.

The good news is that you can take steps to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol can help. Exercise, quitting smoking, and losing weight can also help. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol.

By understanding cholesterol and taking steps to keep it in check, you can help protect your heart and your overall health.