Cholesterol is found only in animal products and is highest in foods such as egg yolks, organ meats such as liver or brain, red meats, poultry skin, some shellfish, and regular dairy products (cheese, ice cream, cream, butter, and so on). A blood lipid panel can provide information about the levels of total cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
HDL, or “helpful” cholesterol, removes cholesterol from the blood and body tissues and transports it to the liver to be processed, whereas LDL, or “lousy” cholesterol, takes cholesterol from the liver and bloodstream and deposits it in blood vessels and body tissues. High LDL and total cholesterol and low HDL levels are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
Triglycerides are the most dominant form of fatty acids in the body, and elevated blood levels of these fats may indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular disease as well. See Appendix A, “Worksheets and Additional Resources,” for information about desirable levels for all these health indices.