Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced by the human body and is also found in animal products.
Some cholesterol is needed for cells to function.
Unfortunately, excess cholesterol builds up inside the arteries. The amount of cholesterol in your blood is a good predictor of your risk for heart disease and stroke, along with how much you smoke, how high your blood pressure is, your family medical history, and whether you have diabetes. The higher your cholesterol level, the higher the risk. However, not all cholesterol is bad. Fat travels through your bloodstream attached to protein in a combination called a lipoprotein.