Cholesterol is a fat present in the blood, much of it is manufactured by the body, while a very small amount is introduced through the consumption of food.
Cholesterol plays an important role in the body, but excess levels represent one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Excess cholesterol tends to be deposited on artery walls, causing the formation of lesions that thicken and stiffen the vessels. This process, known as atherosclerosis, can lead to plaque formation over time that is able to hinder or block blood flow, with consequent risks to the cardiovascular system.
Cholesterol in the blood is transported within molecular structures called lipoproteins. The high density lipoproteins or HDL (High Density Lipoprotein), known as 'good' cholesterol, promote the removal of cholesterol from the blood and its elimination through bile salts, protecting both the heart and blood.
