All About Cholesterol

Well not quite all - but a little bit about cholesterol.
The blood cholesterol level depends on many factors, including genetics, age, ethnicity, etc. however a diet high in saturated fat and trans fat can contribute to significant increases. High cholesterol levels increase atherosclerosis and the risk of a heart attack and/or stroke.
First of all, cholesterol is only found in foods of animal origin. The blood cholesterol level depends on the amount and type of fat eaten. For example a diet high in saturated fat will likely cause the cholesterol levels in blood to go up, but a diet including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (for example fish) will not cause an increase in the blood.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg.
Here are a few examples of cholesterol content of various foods:

Food                                                                                    Cholesterol (mg)

Fish fillet 4 oz.                                                                           70
Salmon 3 oz.                                                                              30
Shrimp 3 oz.                                                                             130
Lobster 3 oz.                                                                               80
Egg 1 large                                                                                210
Egg (white only)                                                                           0
Whole Milk 8 oz.                                                                        35
Cream cheese 1 oz.                                                                     30
Ricotta cheese 4 oz.                                                                    25
Chicken 4 oz.                                                                              90
Liver 4 oz.                                                                                 500
Sausage 1.5 oz.                                                                            25
Salami 2 oz.                                                                                 40
Bacon 1 oz.                                                                                  20

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The Blood Cholesterol Level includes the Good (HDL), the Bad (LDL) and the Ugly (Triglycerides).
The recommended levels are:
LDL < 130
HDL > 40
Triglycerides < 150

Like 'The Man with No Name' (aka Clint in 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly') you want to live long, in a dangerous world, so instead of carrying a gun, eat less cholesterol!