Cholesterol is an essential body chemical. It is one of the fat-
like nutrients transported in the blood and is used by the body
to build cell walls and produce vitamin D and certain hormones.
The body produces about one thousand milligrams of cholesterol
each day to meet its needs. Most of us consume more cholesterol
than we need when we eat foods that are high in saturated fat,
such as meat and dairy products. If we consume cholesterol, the
body slows down production of it, but not enough to prevent
blood levels from rising. When there is too much cholesterol in
the bloodstream, it can become trapped in the walls of the
coronary arteries and build up over time. When the artery that
supplies blood to the heart becomes clogged with cholesterol
deposits, part of the heart muscle goes without the nutrients
and oxygen it needs and dies. The result can be chest pains, a
heart attack, and even death. To lower cholesterol blood levels,
avoid foods high in saturated fats. Eat more foods with
polyunsaturated and monou