Cholesterol is made by the liver and absorbed from the food you eat. Blood cholesterol is influenced by the amount of cholesterol your body makes and to a lesser degree, the amount you eat in foods. Don't look for LDL and HDL cholesterol in food. These terms refer only to blood cholesterol. These fatty acids are divided into the three major categories described below.
Most foods contain a combination of all three types.
Studies suggest saturates raise blood cholesterol. Monounsaturated Fatty Acids are found in both animal and plant fats. Olive, canola, and peanut oils are especially rich sources. When substituted for saturates, monounsaturates can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Polyunsaturates can also help reduce blood cholesterol.