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Colesterol

El colesterol es una sustancia blanda y cerosa que está presente en todas las partes del cuerpo, tales como el sistema nervioso, la piel, los músculos, el hígado, los intestinos y el corazón. Es producido por el cuerpo y también se obtiene de los productos animales de la dieta. El colesterol se elabora en el hígado y es necesario para las funciones normales del cuerpo como la producción de hormonas, ácido biliar, y vitamina D. El exceso de colesterol en la sangre contribuye a la aterosclerosis y, como consecuencia, a la enfermedad cardíaca. El riesgo de padecer de enfermedad cardíaca o aterosclerosis aumenta proporcionalmente al aumento del nivel de colesterol en la sangre.
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