When most people think about cholesterol, they picture the numbers on a standard blood test: HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). But there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. Your body both produces and absorbs cholesterol, and the balance between those two processes plays a big role in your overall health.

What is Cholesterol?

At an annual doctor’s visit, you may receive a blood draw to get insights into your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fat that’s present in every cell in your body and floats through your blood. It’s part of the process for building certain hormones, it helps your liver break down food, and it gives “structure to the protective cover around each cell” (Cleveland Clinic).

But if your cholesterol levels are too high, it can pose a risk for heart disease.

The “Good” and “Bad” Cholesterol

For most standard cholesterol tests, total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and Triglycerides are common measurements found in your results.

LDLs, VLDLs, and HDLs are lipoproteins, which act like delivery trucks and carry things, including cholesterol, through your blood.

• LDLs and VLDLs carry cholesterol that can build plaque in your arteries. The normal level of LDL cholesterol is under 100 milligrams per deciliter of blood.
• HDLs carry cholesterol that scientists believe can help protect arteries, sometimes known as “good” cholesterol. A normal level of HDLs are 40-80 milligrams per deciliter, depending on your sex.
• Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood that your body stores for energy between meals. A normal level isless than 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood

What is Non-HDL Cholesterol?

Non-HDL cholesterol embodies everything that isn’t HDL. You may see this more commonly in recent cholesterol blood tests, as they don’t require fasting.

Is LDL Cholesterol Bad?

LDL cholesterol isn’t entirely bad—it helps your body make hormones and vitamin D. But when there’s too much LDL in the bloodstream, it can stick to artery walls, forming plaque and increasing cardiovascular risk.

Where Does Cholesterol Come From?

While cholesterol is natural, it enters your body in two different ways: **production **and absorption. Normally, the liver produces 75% of your cholesterol, and you absorb the remaining 25% from foods you eat.

Just like cholesterol, molecules called sterols travel through your blood on HDLs and LDLs. These sterols can be measured to show whether your body is producing more cholesterol or absorbing more. These markers explain why your cholesterol might be high or low and help you and your doctor make targeted choices to protect your health.

Cholesterol Production Markers

Lathosterol and Desmosterol are two production markers that can tell us how much cholesterol is being produced in your liver. Elevated levels mean your body is producing more cholesterol than normal, which could be associated with higher LDL-C and increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Cholesterol Absorption Markers

Beta-Sitosterol and Campesterol are two absorption markers that enter your bloodstream when you receive cholesterol from food.

Elevated levels mean your body is absorbing more cholesterol than normal and could be associated with higher LDL-C and increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Is High Cholesterol Genetic?

Genetics play a big role. Some people naturally produce more cholesterol or absorb more from their diet simply due to their genetics, but there are ways to improve your HDL cholesterol and monitor your LDL cholesterol levels.

How to Improve HDL Cholesterol

HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries, so higher levels are generally better. You can improve your HDL cholesterol by:

• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Eating healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and avocados
• Avoiding trans fats and added sugars

To learn more about how dietary fats influence cholesterol and which fats support healthy balance, check out our article on Fats: The Good, the Bad — What to Eat and How to Test Your Levels.

Why Cholesterol Balance Matters

Two people can have the same total cholesterol level but very different underlying causes—one may produce too much cholesterol, while another absorbs too much from food. Understanding whether your cholesterol imbalance comes from overproduction, overabsorption, or both can help guide personalized diet and lifestyle changes to improve your health.

Our empowerDX Cholesterol Test measures both production markers (lathosterol & desmosterol) and absorption markers (beta-sitosterol & campesterol) to show how your body manages cholesterol. In your digital results, you’ll receive:

• A personalized Cholesterol Balance Score
• Insight into whether your cholesterol levels are low, average, or high for both production and absorption markers
• Actionable data to help you and your healthcare provider decide next steps

Knowing your cholesterol balance helps you move beyond “good” and “bad” cholesterol—and take real steps toward better health. Order your empowerDX Cholesterol Test today.

Resources:

• What is Cholesterol? Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23922-what-is-cholesterol (Accessed October 2025)
• What is Non-HDL Cholesterol? Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/what-is-non-hdl-cholesterol (Accessed October 2025)
• The Recommended Cholesterol Levels by Age. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol/levels-by-age#adults (Accessed October 2025)
• Triglycerides: Why Do They Matter? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/triglycerides/art-20048186 (Accessed October 2025)