Sources of cholesterol
Cholesterol has two sources; about 75% is produced by the liver (about 1,000
milligrams per day), the cells lining the small intestine, adrenal glands,
reproductive organs, and by individual cells in our bodies. The rest, about 25%, comes from the
the various animal products we eat such as meat, cheese, whole milk, eggs,
butter, and poultry. Foods that are from plants, such as fruits and
vegetables, do not contain cholesterol.
When too much bad cholesterol (LDL) is circulating through the bloodstream it
can help to form an artery-clogging plaque. This cholesterol-laden plaque
can increase your risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), heart attack, or stroke.
In some cases, people may inherit genes that cause them to produce too much LDL
cholesterol. In these instances, dietary and lifestyle changes, such as
adding exercise and reducing consumption of foods with cholesterol or saturated
fats, alone may
not be sufficient for improving cholesterol levels and cholesterol lowering
drugs may be prescribed in addition to lifestyle changes. Your doctor can help you determine the proper
course of action.