Cholesterol is a fat/lipid that is produced in the liver. It is required in certain amount in the blood for proper functioning of the body. When cholesterol levels are in the normal range, the blood flows freely through the veins and arteries. But when the levels start increasing, cholesterol gets deposited on the walls of arteries forming clots (plaques). This results in a lot of health problems like hypertension (high BP), angina (chest pain), heart attacks, strokes and peripheral vascular diseases. Cholesterol is carried through the blood by particles called lipoproteins. There are 3 types of lipoproteins: LDL (low density lipoprotein), HDL (high density lipoprotein) and triglycerides. Cholesterol carried by LDL is called LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol. It is the main reason for buildup of plaque on the arterial walls. Cholesterol carried by HDL is called HDL cholesterol. It is also called good cholesterol because it helps to reduce the bad cholesterol by taking it back to the liver. Cholesterol and triglycerides together form blood fat. This section has a cholesterol mega guide that can help you to understand everything about heart disease and cholesterol. You can look for foods that can help yo to lower cholesterol
