Cholesterol is a complex waxy substance that is an essential component of the walls of body cells. It is carried around the body in the blood stream by lipoproteins, proteins to which lipids, or fats are attached. Cholesterol is basically a lipid. Lipids are fats. Lipids are transported through the bloodstream, where they attached to proteins, resulting in what is called “lipoproteins. Most of the cholesterol in the blood is bound to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and is called LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the major contributor of total cholesterol levels. The higher the LDL cholesterol level, the higher is the risk of coronary artery disease i.e. they are the ones responsible for clogging up arteries, resulting in what is known as atherosclerosis, which is basically the accumulation of fat buildup within the arterial walls.
The remaining cholesterol in the blood is bound to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and therefore is called HDL cholesterol. HDL appears to protect against the risk of heart attacks, so the higher it is, the better. It   prevents this fat buildup within arterial walls, carrying it away from the arteries, actually to the liver where it is eventually processed and eliminated.

Consequently, the higher the total blood cholesterol level, the lower the HDL number will indicate that a potentially high risk for developing coronary heart disease is present. This number will also provide a signal that certain changes must be made in one’s lifestyle.
Inspite of the above drawbacks, it is very essential for the normal functioning of the body. We do need some cholesterol in our body as it does help certain parts of our bodies, such as tissues and hormones to normally function. It also is used to make bile, which helps the body process the food is consumes. Cholesterol is present in foods, but only about 15% of all blood cholesterol comes from the diet. Even very dramatic cuts in your consumption of cholesterol have only a slight effect on your overall blood cholesterol because most of the cholesterol in the blood is made by your body, mainly in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. When our bodies produce cholesterol, this is known as endogenous cholesterol. But when we get cholesterol from our diet, i.e. in what we eat this is called exogenous cholesterol. We only need a small amount of cholesterol for the body to function, so that any excess produced is what will cause cholesterol level problems. This excess becomes the fat-clogging buildup that will be a major factor in the development of atherosclerosis (coronary heart disease.) And it is the main reason why anyone who has high cholesterol levels should become aware of what these numbers mean, and what can be done to reduce these levels. Usually it will involve a change in dietary preferences and/or habits.
Aim to increase your ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol, through diet, to lower overall cholesterol levels, and exercise, which has some effect in increasing HDL cholesterol. Most Americans consume 45-500 milligrams of cholesterol a day, but the American Heart Association recommends 300 milligrams a day or less.
Triglycerides are another type of lipid found in the blood. Basically, from this substance the body gets its energy. A high carbohydrate diet, which is eventually broken down into sugars and starches, produces these triglycerides. The liver converts the sugars into triglycerides. High levels are usually found in those persons suffering diabetes, obesity, and why it is always a good idea to keep a watch on these levels also. Levels above 500 mg/dL are considered high and between 250-500 mg/dL are considered borderline-high.
 There are three basic categories of dietary fats that will also affect healthy or non-healthy cholesterol levels in the body. The three are cholesterol, saturated fats, and unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats can be further broken down into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Understanding the relationships of these fats to the body, what benefits or non-benefits they provide will help a person understand and then determine what is necessary to keep cholesterol levels down to safe recommended levels.
Basically, saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels. Common sense then tells us to limit foods that contain this type of fat. And why it is important to read all food labels before purchasing a product. Any meat, or products made from animal fat, i.e. dairy products such as butter, cream, whole milk all contain not only cholesterol but are usually high in saturated fats. By limiting these foods, or even eliminating some of them from the diet will help reduce overall cholesterol levels.
It is also good to remember that polyunsaturated fats will actually help to reduce cholesterol levels. One known substance that benefits cholesterol levels is fish oil. Also certain vegetable oils such as corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, even olive oil contain the polyunsaturated fats that will help to lower overall cholesterol levels.
 Life style changes will help lower cholesterol levels. It is recommended that less than 30 percent of total calorie intake should come from fat, and that 10 percent or less of the total calories should come from saturated fat, no more than ten percent of total calories from polyunsaturated, and the rest from monounsaturated fat. This will result in the following: 50-60 percent will come from carbohydrates, keeping in mind to consume mostly complex carbohydrates that will provide adequate fiber. It is also recommended that 30 grams of fiber be consumed each day, and no more than 300 mg of cholesterol.