Did you know that about 75% of the cholesterol in your body is produced by the liver, while the remaining 25% comes from the foods you eat? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance present in the cells of the body, and is vital for multiple body functions. It plays a part in building cell membranes, synthesizing hormones, and producing vitamin D. Cholesterol is carried in the blood by lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are made up of fat and proteins. The two main types of lipoproteins are LDL which stands for low-density lipoprotein and HDL which stands for high-density lipoprotein. LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol because it can lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries. This increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as the arteries delivering blood to the heart and brain can be narrowed, reducing blood flow to them. Studies estimate that about 28% of adults in the United States have elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, which increases their risk of heart disease and stroke. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is known as the good cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. This decreases the risk of heart disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise is essential. Even A 1% decrease in LDL cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of heart disease by about 2%. This is why today we will reveal 12 foods that are dangerously increasing your cholesterol levels so that you can decrease their intake in your diet and protect your heart.