Cholesterol is a fatty substance naturally found in the blood. It helps rebuild the cells and serves as a vital component of steroid hormones and Vitamin D. However, when we eat fatty foods, we are ingesting more cholesterol than our bodies need. The result is an excessive buildup of fat in the arteries that can cause partial or full blockage of these vessels eventually leading to heart disease, heart attack, and even stroke. So while cholesterol is essential for normal body functioning, it is even more important to keep the cholesterol levels within normal range.