Definition: Cholesterol is something we hear about regularly - as in, avoiding foods high in cholesterol or exercising in order to lower 'bad' cholesterol. But what exactly is it? Cholesterol is actually a waxy substance that is part of the fats in your bloodstream and the cells of your body. We need a certain amount of cholesterol to function, but too much can put you at risk for heart disease.
There are actually two types of cholesterol most of us have heard of: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (lod-density lipoprotein). LDL is considered the 'bad' cholesterol because too much of it can build up in the arteries, which can lead to heart problems. HDL is considered the 'good' cholesterol because, the more you have, the more you may be protected from heart disease.
