Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by your liver and obtained by eating animal products such as meat, dairy and eggs. Your liver will produce less cholesterol if you consume a lot of this substance from food, so dietary cholesterol rarely has a great impact on total cholesterol levels. However, eating large amounts of saturated fat, trans fat and sugars can raise cholesterol levels. Bear in mind that there are different types of cholesterol. While “good” HDL cholesterol may be beneficial for your health, high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, particularly when oxidized, have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.