Saturated fat effects different people in different ways according to genes. If you have high LDL cholesterol then avoiding saturated fat can help lower your LDL. Most Americans do have high LDL cholesterol. LDL should be lower than 70 to be optimal, and never rise about 100 to maintain good health. Most Americans have LDL far above 70.
Saturated fat is not required to be ingested for human health. The body makes the cholesterol it needs. If you consume no saturated fat a day in your life you will make all the cholesterol you need.
RE: If your doctor tells you to give up saturated fat "because cholesterol" -- or because any reason, really -- RUN!