The word “cholesterol” typically elicits negative health associations. But this waxy, fat-like substance has many important functions in the body. It stabilizes cell membranes, for instance, supports production of certain hormones and is essential for normal brain development. Not all cholesterol is the same though. Two types of protein carry it to and from cells, mostly low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL (aka “bad”) cholesterol contributes to fatty buildups in arteries that can lead to heart disease and stroke. “Good,” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carries some of the cholesterol back to the…