Cholesterol is an odorless, fat-like substance that is a key part of cell membranes and hormones.
It is required by the body for normal functioning. It is present in all parts of the body, including the brain, muscle, skin and skeleton and is produced naturally by the liver. However, too much cholesterol from your diet can cause deposits to form in the walls of arteries, partially or totally blocking the flow of blood. This can cause atherosclerosis, a type of hardening of the arteries in which cholesterol, fat, and other blood components build up on the walls of the arteries. Heredity has an important effect on your cholesterol.