Some fat is also found in the blood because the blood is used to transport some of the fat to the areas in the body where it is needed or to fat cells for storage. It is only when you get more fat than your body needs to supply energy or to provide the essential fatty acids that fat represents a health problem. Like so many other things it is a question of how much is necessary. One of the main risk factors for heart disease is high blood cholesterol. Eating less fat, especially saturated fat and cholesterol may help you lower your blood cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a fat-like waxy substance.
It comes from animal foods in the diet and your body also makes cholesterol. Cholesterol is an essential part of body cells. It is needed to digest fats and to make sex hormones. However, when you have too much cholesterol in your blood vessels, your chances of having a heart attack or stroke are greater than if your blood cholesterol is low. Meat, poultry, fish, milk, and cheese also contain some cholesterol, but you can eat moderate amounts of these foods without getting too much cholesterol in your diet.