Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to build cells, make hormones, and produce vitamins like Vitamin D. However, too much cholesterol can cause problems, like clogging your blood vessels, which may lead to heart disease or strokes. There are two main types: 1. "Bad" cholesterol (LDL): Can build up in your blood vessels and cause blockages. 2. "Good" cholesterol (HDL): Helps remove bad cholesterol from your blood. Your body naturally makes cholesterol, but you also get it from food, especially meat, dairy, and fried items.