Why does your body need cholesterol if too much in the blood can be a problem? Your body needs some cholesterol for normal jobs. The concern is not cholesterol itself, but having too much in the blood, where it may build up in artery walls.
Why it can sound confusing at breakfast
You may hear cholesterol called “bad” while eating breakfast, perhaps when meat, cheese or egg yolks are mentioned. That does not mean cholesterol is useless. It means that the amount in the blood, and where it collects, matters.
An everyday example
Think of two separate places in the body. In body cells, cholesterol has useful work to do. In the blood, however, too much cholesterol can join with other substances and form plaque, a build-up on artery walls. This can narrow the arteries.
Useful jobs in the body
- Cholesterol helps the body make hormones.
- It helps the body make vitamin D.
- It helps make substances that help digest food.
Where cholesterol comes from
Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Cholesterol is also found in animal foods, including meat, cheese and egg yolks.
The simple answer
Cholesterol is not simply “good” or “bad”. It is a substance your body needs, but excess cholesterol in the blood is the concern because it can build up in arteries.
Cholesterol has useful jobs, but too much in the blood can build up in arteries.
Read more from MedlinePlus: Cholesterol.
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This article is for general education and does not replace personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional.