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According to kidshealth.org, cholesterol fat is a waxy substance produced by the liver. You can also get cholesterol from certain foods. Too much cholesterol in the body can pose a serious health risk.
Type
Cholesterol is a type of lipid fat found mainly in foods made from animal origins or fat. Whole-fat dairy products, eggs, meats and cheeses are all high in cholesterol.
Problems
The consumption of too many foods that are high in cholesterol, particularly LDL cholesterol, otherwise know as the lousy type, increases the risk for developing heart problems. Plaque can form over the walls of the arteries, further developing into a common ailment known as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The condition can block blood flow to the arteries and a heart attack can ensue.
Tests
A doctor can perform a cholesterol test. It will tell you whether your LDL level is too high. An acceptable level is under 130.
Alternatives
Vegetables, fruits and grains contain no animal fats. Fruits and vegetables are fat free while grains are naturally low in fat.
Exercise
Exercise has been proven to increase HDL levels, the good type of cholesterol, which aids in the body's ability to rid itself of fats.
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