Your blood cholesterol is affected not only by the saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet, but by the cholesterol your body produces. Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs. The excess saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet can increase your blood cholesterol level.
Cholesterol travels in the blood in packages called lipoproteins.
All lipoproteins are formed in the liver and carry cholesterol through the body. LDLs carry most of the cholesterol in the blood and, if not removed from the blood, cholesterol and fat can build up in the arteries contributing to atherosclerosis. HDLs carry cholesterol back to the liver for processing or removal from the body. HDLs help remove cholesterol from the blood, preventing accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries. Prick squash and sweet potatoes with fork.