Cholesterol is a substance that is developed in the liver and also comes from many kinds of food. Its consistency is similar to something in between wax and fat, and it has a particular function in the human body. Having enough cholesterol is important as it can help produce hormones, certain acids, and vitamin D.http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/cholesterol-basicshttp://www.medicinenet.com/cholesterol/article.htm

Cholesterol is made up of both steroids and fats. The body needs a limited amount of the substance to survive, and most of it is made in the body itself. Foods like meat, fish, and dairy contribute additional cholesterol.http://www.medicinenet.com/cholesterol/article.htm Too much, cholesterol, however, can lead to major health issues, such as heart disease.http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbc/HBC_WhatIs.html

There are two different kinds of cholesterol, one that is beneficial to the human body, and another that can be detrimental. Low density lipoprotein, or LDL, is considered "bad cholesterol." When LDL builds up in the blood, it sticks to the walls of the arteries. After a while, this can mix with other factors and create plaque in the arteries, which in turn, can eventually stop blood flow if a clot forms.http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp

High density lipoproteins refer to what is considered "good cholesterol." HDL levels in the body should be higher in order to help get rid of LDL cholesterol.http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/cholesterol-basics Also, if HDL is low, there is a higher risk of heart disease. HDL not only removes excess LDL, but it helps prevent heart disease by reducing build up in the arteries.http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp