Cholesterol is the most abundant sterol, a second class of lipids. Pure cholesterol is an odorless, white, waxy, powdery substance. Cholesterol is found only in foods of animal origin which includes egg yolks, meat, poultry, milk and milk products and fish. It is present in foods of plant origin.

Our body needs cholesterol to function normally. It is part of every cell membrane and is present in every cell in your body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles, skin, liver, and skeleton. The body uses cholesterol to make bile acids allowing digesting fat, maintaining cell membranes, making hormones and making vitamin D. Absorption of cholesterol from food ranges from about 40% to 65%. Most people absorb between 40 and 60 percent of ingested cholesterol. Such variability, which is probably due in part to genes, may contribute to the individual differences that occur in plasma cholesterol response to dietary cholesterol.

About two-thirds of the cholesterol circulating through body is made by body cells; the remaining one-third is consumed in the diet. Each day, our cells produce approximately 875 milligrams of cholesterol. Of the 875 milligrams of cholesterol made by the body, about 400 milligrams are used to make new bile acids to replenish those lost in the feces, and about 50 milligrams are used to make hormones. In addition to the entire cholesterol cells make, we consume about 180 to 325 milligrams of cholesterol per day from animal-derived food products, with men consuming the higher amount compared to women.

All tissues are capable of synthesizing enough cholesterol to meet their metabolic and structural needs. Consequently, there is no evidence for a biological requirement for dietary cholesterol. Much evidence indicates a positive linear trend between cholesterol intake and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration, and therefore an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). A Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) was not set for cholesterol because any incremental increase in cholesterol intake increases CHD risk. It is recommended that people should maintain their dietary intake of cholesterol as low as possible and consume a diet that is nutritionally adequate in all required nutrients.

Food Sources

Food name	Weight (g)	Cholesterol (mg)
Veal brain	85	2635
Lamb brain	85	2175
Pork brain	85	2169
Egg	85	1714
Goose egg	144	1227
Turkey egg	79	737
Chicken	145	647
Turkey	863	604
Lamb liver	85	426
Scrambled egg	96	409
Shrimp	128	323
Kielbasa	370	270
Squid	85	221
Lobster	145	212
Cuttlefish	85	190
Red (sockeye) salmon	108	167
Dove	140	162
Shrimp	85	161
Spinach	136	160
Eggnog	254	150

Benefits of Cholesterol in Diet

Cholesterol is crucial for balanced hormones and to deal with regular stress. These hormones also prevent the chances heart disease and cancer.
Cholesterol is required to make sex hormones including androgen, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA and progesterone.
It is required to use Vitamin D properly which is critical for all body systems including bones, proper growth, nerves, mineral metabolism, insulin production, muscle tone, fertility and strong immunity.
Cholesterol is demanded by liver to make bile salts. Bile is needed for digestive process and dietary fats absorption.
Cholesterol acts as an antioxidant in the body and prevents free radical damage to tissues.
It is critically needed for proper functioning of brain.
Cholesterol is must for babies and children for proper development and growth of the nervous system, brain and immune function.
It is required for proper functioning of intestines and to maintain integrity of intestinal wall. Diet with low cholesterol results leaky gut syndrome as well as other digestive problems.
Cholesterol is demanded for repairing damaged cells. The levels of cholesterol rise naturally as people and are beneficial for elderly people.

Causes of High Cholesterol

An unhealthy diet
Diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension)
Family history of stroke or heart disease
Smoking

Prevent high cholesterol

People wanting to lower cholesterol levels should make four major lifestyle decisions such as

Heart-healthy diet
Avoid smoking
Exercise regularly
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Drink in moderation

Recommended cholesterol level to be

Generally, total cholesterol levels should be:

For healthy adults: 5 mmol/L or less

For those at high risk: 4 mmol/L or less

Generally, LDL levels should be:

For healthy adults: 3 mmol/L or less

For those at high risk: 2 mmol/L or less

Why is excess cholesterol in the body harmful?

Presence of too much cholesterol in the body causes buildup of plaque in artery walls. This makes heart difficult to circulate blood through arteries due to buildup of plaque and also causes blood clots that could result in heart attack and stroke.

Dietary tips to avoid cholesterol

Consume fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods.
Prefer low or reduced-fat milk, yoghurt and other dairy products.
Eat lean meat.
Limit intake of fatty meats such as sausages and salami and choose leaner sandwich meats such as or cooked lean chicken or turkey breast.
Consume fresh or canned fish at least twice a week.
Replace butter or dairy blends with polyunsaturated margarines.
Include foods with high soluble fiber and healthy fats such as nuts, seeds and legumes.
Limit intake of cheese and ice cream (upto twice a week).