Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in every cell of the body. Its natural function is to help in digesting foods and generating vitamin D. the body also uses the substance to protect nerves, make cell tissues and produce certain kinds of hormones. Usually the cholesterol produced by the liver is enough to fulfil its essential functions; however the body also gets direct cholesterol from dietary sources such as poultry, eggs, fish and dairy products. Plant based food products contain s no cholesterol. Therefore too much cholesterol can have negative impact on one’s health.
Liver regulates the cholesterol content in the bloodstream. Cholesterol from the food is absorbed from the small intestine and metabolized to be stored in the liver. The liver then accordingly produces cholesterol according to the needs of the body. Presence of too much cholesterol can cause the walls of the arteries to narrow due to build-up of deposits.