Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance only found in animal products. Too much cholesterol leads to a build-up of fatty materials and debris (called plaque) on the walls of the arteries supplying blood to the heart and other organs. Some cholesterol is needed by the body. In fact, cholesterol plays a role in normal body functions, including the formation of cell walls, production of hormones, and manufacture of bile acids, which are needed for digestion. Because the liver has the ability to make all the cholesterol our bodies need, there is no need for extra cholesterol in the diet.
The 2015 Dietary Guidelines suggest limiting added sugars to no more than 10% of calories. For example, a 2000-calorie diet would be limited to 200 calories from sugar.
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