Some fats and cholesterol are unable to dissolve in your blood. Which means that they have to be transported around the body by special chemicals called lipoproteins. There are a number of these lipoproteins in the body but the key ones in this instance are low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins also known as HDL.

The low density lipoprotein (LDL) is the main carrier of cholesterol in the blood. If there is too much LDL cholesterol it can accumulate and can block the walls of the atreries which provide oxygen to the heart and brain. Cholesterol with other substances form a plaque which hardens blocking the flow of blood.

This is known as atherosclerosis. A blood clot occurs by the plaque deposits and blocks the flow of blood to the heart leading to a heart attack. Or if the clot blocks the supply of blood to the brain it can lead to a stroke.

Between one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL.Medical experts think HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that HDL removes excess build up of cholesterol from these plaques. We are told that because of this HDL cholesterol is 'good' cholesterol as it appears to reduce the risk of heart attacks.

There are 2 ways in which cholesterol is created. Most significant is the liver (amongst other organs) produces around 1,000 mg on a daily basis.

You'll find cholesterol in many different food products. Foods from animals and animal products contain cholesterol in differing amounts where as foods from plants do not contain cholesterol.

The body is able to produce all the cholesterol it requires, so there is no need for additional cholesterol. Trans fats (trans fatty acids) and Saturated fats are the biggest contributors to raised blood cholesterol. The consequence of this being a greater risk of heart disease.

On average normal dietary cholesterol for an American male is around 337 milligrams and a significantly lower level for women of around 217 mg daily.

Part of the excess cholesterol is broken down and removed by the liver. But the recommended daily intake as stated by The American Heart Association is 300 mg or less a day. If you show any signs of heart disease this should be reduced further to less than 200mg.

It should be obvious by reducing the intake of saturated fat and trans fat it is possible to reduce significantly the level of dietary cholesterol. Don't forget foods high in these fats contain higher levels of dietary cholesterol and there in take should be controlled.

People with severe high blood cholesterol levels may need an even greater reduction. Since cholesterol is in all foods from animal sources, care must be taken to eat no more than six ounces of lean meat, fish and poultry per day and to use fat-free and low-fat dairy products. It's also a good idea to substitute animal sources of protein with high-quality proteins from vegetable sources such as beans.

WARNING: If you are unsure of your cholesterol level have it checked by your medical practitioner or you can buy a home test kit.