Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance naturally produced by your liver. It is also present in animal-based foods such as eggs, meat, butter, and dairy products. Despite being often blamed, cholesterol itself is not bad. It performs many important roles in your body — building cell membranes, producing hormones (like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol), and creating bile acids that help digest fats.

Cholesterol moves through the blood attached to proteins known as lipoproteins. Based on the type of lipoprotein, cholesterol can either be beneficial or harmful:

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Commonly called “bad cholesterol.” It carries cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. When present in high amounts, LDL can deposit cholesterol in the walls of arteries, forming plaques and narrowing blood vessels.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as “good cholesterol.” It carries excess cholesterol from the bloodstream back to the liver for removal. Higher HDL levels protect the heart and prevent blockages.

VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein): This type mainly carries triglycerides. When VLDL is high, it indirectly raises LDL and worsens cholesterol imbalance.