Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver and supplied in the diet through animal foods (meat, poultry, eggs, fish and dairy products). Your body needs some cholesterol to insulate nerves, form cell membranes and make certain hormones. Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to build-up in the arteries – a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Lipoproteins are formed when our liver “bundles” fat and cholesterol with protein. Two key kinds of lipoproteins are:

• LDL / Low Density Lipoprotein, the “bad” cholesterol, has the tendency to build up on the walls of arteries.
• HDL / High Density Lipoprotein, the “good” cholesterol, helps remove cholesterol from the arteries.