What is the main source of dietary cholesterol?

The primary source of dietary cholesterol is indeed animal products, which include meat, eggs, and dairy. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is present in the cells of all animals and is synthesized in the liver. Foods that originate from animals, such as beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese, contain significant amounts of cholesterol.

In contrast, plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds do not contain cholesterol, as it is only found in animal-derived foods. While these plant foods are rich in essential nutrients and offer various health benefits, they are not sources of dietary cholesterol. This distinction is crucial in understanding how different food groups contribute to overall cholesterol intake in the diet. Therefore, animal products are the primary contributors to dietary cholesterol levels.