Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body uses to protect
nerves, make cell tissues and produce certain hormones. Your
liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. Your body also
gets cholesterol directly from the food you eat (such as eggs,
meats and dairy products). Too much cholesterol can have
negative impacts on your health. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
is often called “bad” cholesterol. It delivers cholesterol to
the body. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often called “good”
cholesterol. It removes cholesterol from the bloodstream. This
explains why too much LDL cholesterol is bad for the body, and
why a high level of HDL cholesterol is good. For example, if
your total cholesterol level is high because of a high LDL
level, you may be at higher risk of heart disease or stroke.
But, if your total cholesterol level is high only because of a
high HDL level, you're probably not at higher risk.
Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. When you
eat more calories than your body can use, it tur