Cholesterol is found in all foods of animal origin, and it is also produced by the body. A certain amount of it is necessary for good health. When too much of it is present in the body, however, it can build up on the interior artery walls, narrowing and roughening the vessels through which the blood flows, and cause heart disease.

  There are two types of blood cholesterol: Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, , or LDL, is bad. High density lipoprotein cholesterol, or HDL, is good.

  LDL accelerates the buildup of cholesterol inside the blood vessels. Studies have shown that the higher the LDL level, the greater the risk of heart disease. A diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol rich foods such as eggs, meats, organ meats, and many dairy products can increase the level of the potentially dangerous LDLs.

  HDL, on the other hand, actually helps remove cholesterol from your bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease.

  This doesn’t mean you can never eat eggs or other high cholesterol foods again, but it does mean you should limit them. In other words, if you have a two egg omelet for breakfast, you certainly don’t want to have liver for dinner.