Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in all cells of your body. Your body needs cholesterol to make hormones and other substances, but having too much of it in your blood is linked to higher risks of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol has no symptoms; the only way to find out whether your cholesterol level is high is by having a blood test. One of every six American adults has high cholesterol. What the Science Says Conventional treatment for high cholesterol levels consists of therapeutic lifestyle changes (a healthy diet, weight management, and physical activity) and, if necessary, cholesterol-lowering medicine. Dietary supplements have also been studied for their possible effects on cholesterol levels. The use of foods containing added plant stanols or sterols is an option in conventional treatment for high cholesterol levels. Examples of these foods include orange juice with added sterols and spreads used in place of butter that contain …