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Cholesterol

Definition:

A fat-like substance that is found in certain foods and is also produced in the body.

Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream in different packages called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) deliver cholesterol to the body, while high-density lipoproteins (HDL or "good" cholesterol) take cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

Source: PBS Glossary of Medical Terms 

More:

The body uses cholesterol in a number of ways, for example, to produce bile acids that help you digest fat.

Cholesterol is important to health. However, too much cholesterol in the bloodstream can be unhealthy; it builds up in the artery wall and can influence the development of coronary heart disease.

Source: GreenFacts, based on Crestor Glossary  

Related words:

Coronary heart disease - Lipid - Lipoproteins

To read about this term in context:

GreenFacts Summary on Diet and Nutrition Prevention of Chronic Diseases:

Translation(s):

Deutsch: Cholesterin
Español: Colesterol
Français: Cholestérol

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