Cholesterol

Cholesterol:

 A soft, waxy, fat-soluble steroid formed by the liver and a natural component of fats in the bloodstream (as LIPOPROTEINs); the most common steroid in the human body and used by all cells in permeability of their membranes. It is used in the formation of many products such as bile acids, vitamin D, progesterone,
estrogens, and androgens. In relation to human health, there is “good,” high-density cholesterol (HDL), which protects the heart, and “bad,” low-density cholesterol (LDL), which causes heart disease and other problems.