Cholesterol plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system, biological membranes and in the synthesis of substances such as steroid hormones, bile acids and vitamin D3. Those functions can be fulfilled with the participation of cholesterol synthesised in the body, therefore there is no recommendation as to the minimum level of consumption of this substance. The consumed foods and lifestyle impact changes in cholesterol homeostasis, which may be helpful in controlling disturbances in cholesterol metabolism, especially in the case of its excessive  accumulation in plasma. The elderly and the obese are the worst affected by the risk of high blood cholesterol, especially by that contained in low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Also,  postmenopausal women may have disturbed cholesterol metabolism. In numerous studies there is confirmation, that the amount of cholesterol in blood can be controlled by introducing changes into diet and lifestyle, and the most important are weight loss, increasing physical activity and increasing the frequency of meals while, at the same time, reducing the volume of food  portions. Also, a positive health effect on cholesterol homeostasis have a varied diet rich in soluble fibre, fermented dairy products, polyunsaturated fatty acids, plant sterols and stanols, soy  protein, curcumin and lycopene. Besides, moderate alcohol consumption can help lower the LDL cholesterol level. The cholesterol ingested with food affects the cholesterol metabolism in  human body, however, from the point of view of the lipid profile, it is of no significant importance. Many of the ingredients present in food can effectively lower the level of cholesterol and, if  consumed in the appropriate amounts, they may replace drug therapy.