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Cholesterol. We've all heard of it, and we all know it's bad, but how much do we know about this substance our doctors keep hounding us about? In honor of National Cholesterol Education Month, we're diving into some education about cholesterol and tips to help you keep yours in line.

In a moment, we'll get into specifics about cholesterol's bad side. But first, you should know that cholesterol (in reasonable amounts) plays a vital role in your overall health. Your body depends on certain types of cholesterol to perform essential functions like hormone creation and cell building.

When your doctor tests your blood for your cholesterol levels, they come back with two results HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein). HDL is the good kind of cholesterol that guides the bad (LDL) cholesterol to your liver, where it is flushed out of your body. LDL is the cholesterol that your doctor is worried about.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the blood that, in excess, tends to stick to the inside of veins and arteries. Untreated, the waxy plaque builds up enough that it can shrink the pathways making it difficult for oxygenated blood to travel normally through your body. For some people, high cholesterol is genetic, and for others caused strictly by their lifestyle. Either way, you can do a few important things to keep your cholesterol in check.

• Patients with high cholesterol may not know it until it's too late. Visit regularly with your physician so you can track your levels over time and make lifestyle and prescription adjustments as needed to address cholesterol issues that arise.

• Like it or not, your genetics play a role in your likelihood of suffering from high cholesterol. Speak to family members and determine whether your genes may require you to be hyper-vigilant.

• When it comes to shrinking your cholesterol risk, it's essential to limit your exposure to saturated fat. Foods like meat and dairy products are proven to raise your cholesterol levels. Instead, opt for high fiber foods like whole grains and beans as well as healthy unsaturated fats like avocados, olive oil, and nuts.

Adrienne Freeland is a freelance writer who specializes in helping business owners communicate more clearly. Using skills developed in her former career as a professional fundraiser, Adrienne collaborates with her clients to craft engaging, targeted content.