These fats cause your liver to make more cholesterol than it otherwise would. Those same foods are high in saturated and trans fats. For example, meat, poultry and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol. The remainder of the cholesterol in your body comes from foods from animals. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. But too much cholesterol can pose a problem.Ĭholesterol comes from two sources. It’s not inherently “bad.” Your body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. So, what is cholesterol? What does it do?Ĭholesterol is a waxy substance. If you’re reading this, you probably care about your health and the role cholesterol can play. National Hypertension Control Initiative.Institute for Precision Cardiovascular Medicine.Pets and Your Health / Healthy Bond for Life.