Unlike the popular belief, including small amounts of cholesterol is very important for proper functioning of the body functions. It is a type of fat present in all animals, and is essential for normal functioning of cell membranes and production of hormones. Thus, Cholesterol deficiency is very rare because a part of the fat is generated in our body itself. However, in extreme cases of calorie deficiency, cholesterol deficiency can cause Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (severe mental retardation and an abnormally small head), cerebral hemorrhage in men, depression, and pregnant women may give birth prematurely to infants with low birth weight. Excessive consumption of cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.... Learn More