is a substance which naturally occurs in animal tissue and fat.
It can be synthesized in the liver and is a normal component of
bile, which is used in digestion. Cholesteral is also essential
for the body to produce various hormones. Only about 20 percent
of the cholesterol in our bodies comes from diet; the other 80
percent is synthesized by the liver. However, excess cholesterol
in the diet can lead to an increased risk of developing heart
disease and other conditions. For example, atherosclerosis is a
condition in which cholesterol deposits build up inside
arteries, reducing or blocking blood flow. Additionally, if an
arterial deposit breaks loose, it can travel through the blood
stream until it lodges in a narrow blood vessel, blocking
bloodflow. If the blockage prevents blood flow to the heart, it
can cause a heart attack. If the blockage prevents blood flow to
the brain, it can cause a stroke. Cholesterol is often
subdivided into two categories: high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol and low-density