Cholesterol is a fat produced by the body, which is present in the blood. Only a fraction of it is introduced through diet.
Cholesterol is involved in the proper functioning of the body, but if there is too much cholesterol, it can be a major risk factor for heart disease. When in fact it is in excess it is then deposited on the walls of the arteries, causing injuries that cause thickening and stiffening of the vessels. This process of atherosclerosis can lead to plaque formation over time, resulting in obstruction or blockage of blood flow, hence the risks borne by the cardiovascular system.
Cholesterol in the blood is transported within molecular structures called lipoproteins. The low density lipoprotein or LDL, also known as 'bad' cholesterol, carries excess cholesterol from the liver to the arteries and releases it into the vessels resulting in atherosclerosis.
