Cholesterol - a sterol found in cell membranes of body tissues; a soft, body substance in the bloodstream and body cells. Cholesterol and other fats don’t dissolve in the blood; they are transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Most of the cholesterol is synthesized by the body.

“Bad cholesterol" is a term used to refer to cholesterol contained in LDL (low-density lipropotein). If too much LDL cholesterol circulated in blood, it could build up on the walls of heart and brain arteries. LDL lipoprotein deposits cholesterol on the artery walls, causing the formation of a thick substance called cholesterol plaque. Cholesterol plaque causes thickening of the artery walls and narrowing of the arteries; high cholesterol, meaning high level of LDL cholesterol, reflects higher risks of heart disease.

“Good cholesterol" is cholesterol contained in HDL (high-density lipropotein). A high level of HDL seems to protect from heart diseases: some experts believe it removes excess cholesterol from plaques in the arteries. Regular aerobic exercise and cessation of smoking cigarettes will increase HDL cholesterol levels. Lowering cholesterol will benefit to your health; many doctors believe that reducing “bad" cholesterol will decrease the risk of heart attacks, reduce cholesterol plaques on artery walls, widen narrowed arteries and decrease the risk of strokes.

There are several ways to keep cholesterol under control. Cholesterol treatment includes maintaining a healthy weight by regular exercise, eating food low in cholesterol and saturated fat, such as butter, lard, cream and cheese, and following the physician’s advices regarding the control over cholesterol level.