For example, your family doctor may have suggested that you be careful not to eat foods containing too much fat, cholesterol, sodium or sugar. Cholesterol Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance that's needed for normal body functions. It's made by the liver and is also absorbed from the food you eat. It's present in all foods of animal origin. Blood cholesterol is influenced by the amount of cholesterol your body makes and, to a lesser degree, by the foods you eat and other factors.
Some people inherit a tendency for elevated cholesterol.
Individuals with high blood cholesterol levels have an increased risk of heart disease. Your family doctor can give you additional information about ways of lowering blood cholesterol levels. A 3 oz. serving of lean meat or poultry has about 75 mg. Fat Dietary fat is made up of components called fatty acids. A high intake of saturated fatty acids tends to raise blood cholesterol.