Where can cholesterol be obtained from?

Cholesterol can only be obtained from animal products because it is a type of lipid that is primarily synthesized in the liver of animals. Foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products contain significant amounts of cholesterol. While our bodies can synthesize cholesterol independently, dietary sources are important for providing additional cholesterol, especially in diets low in endogenous production.

Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes and nuts do not contain cholesterol because they are plant-based foods. Plant cells lack the mechanisms to produce cholesterol, making these food groups cholesterol-free. It’s important to understand this distinction when considering dietary sources of cholesterol and the overall role cholesterol plays in nutrition and health.