Which of the following is NOT a common cause of high blood cholesterol?

The correct choice highlights that regular physical exercise is not a common cause of high blood cholesterol. In fact, engaging in regular physical activity is beneficial for overall cardiovascular health and can help lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while potentially increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight, improving metabolic health, and enhancing the body's ability to manage cholesterol levels effectively.

In contrast, genetics and heredity can significantly influence cholesterol levels, making individuals predisposed to having high cholesterol irrespective of their lifestyle choices. Likewise, diets high in saturated fats contribute to the body's cholesterol levels by increasing the production of cholesterol in the liver. Stress can also affect cholesterol levels indirectly, as chronic stress may lead to unhealthy eating habits and reduced physical activity, both of which can raise cholesterol levels over time.