What is Cholesterol? The Surprising Truth About Heart Disease Risk

What is Cholesterol? The Surprising Truth About Heart Disease Risk

What is cholesterol ? Contrary to popular belief, this waxy substance isn't simply the villain it's often portrayed to be in health discussions. Despite its reputation as something to avoid, cholesterol actually serves essential functions in your body, from building cell membranes to producing vital hormones. For decades, cholesterol has been directly blamed for heart disease, but the relationship is far more complex than originally thought. In fact, your body naturally produces cholesterol because it needs it to function properly. At the same time, elevated levels of certain cholesterol types can indeed increase your risk of cardiovascular problems. This article explores the true nature of cholesterol, its different types, how your body regulates it, and its actual relationship to heart disease risk. Additionally, we'll examine how dietary choices affect your cholesterol levels beyond simply avoiding cholesterol-rich foods. Understanding these nuances can help you make bett…