Your body uses cholesterol for various functions, such as holding cells together and making hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest foods. Cholesterol is contained in animal products, including meat, eggs, cheese, and whole milk. Plant-based food products such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains do not contain any cholesterol. Your body needs cholesterol to work properly; however, too much can cause problems. Having too much cholesterol in your blood is known as high cholesterol. A blood cholesterol test is used to determine your cholesterol level. Most healthcare providers recommended that a person have a fasting cholesterol test every five years. However, a person with risk factors for heart disease should have this test more frequently.