What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. Despite its bad reputation, cholesterol is important to our bodies. It plays an essential role in the nervous system and the brain.

It also helps the body make certain hormones and vitamin D. Think of cholesterol in two ways: dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol.

What's the difference between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol?
Dietary cholesterol is found only in foods of animal origin. Plant foods such as grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts do not contain cholesterol. Sources of dietary cholesterol include meat, poultry, fish, whole milk, cheese, egg yolks and organ meats like liver.

Blood cholesterol comes from the foods we eat and from our body's own cholesterol-making process. We don't even need to consume cholesterol! The body produces enough to meet its needs-up to 800 to 1500 milligrams of cholesterol every day.

What are "HDL" and "LDL" cholesterol?
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) are two key types of fats (also called lipids) in the bloodstream. Picture them as "bundles" of fat, cholesterol and protein that your body makes to carry fat and cholesterol through your bloodstream. Keep in mind that HDLs and LDLs are found in the blood, not in food. Using a test for these blood lipids, your doctor can help you understand more about your risk of developing heart disease.

Why should I be concerned about high blood cholesterol?
High cholesterol is risky business! Lowering blood cholesterol by diet, or if needed with drugs, reduces your risk of heart attack. For example, reducing total cholesterol by 10% reduces the risk of heart disease by 20%!

Will exercise help lower my blood cholesterol level?
Diet and exercise work hand-in-hand in controlling blood cholesterol. Regular physical activity raises the "healthy" HDL cholesterol and lowers LDL. As an added benefit, exercise also curbs other risk factors for heart disease by lowering your blood pressure, and helping you lose weight and keep it off. Be sure to check with your doctor before you begin any exercise program.

Do high-fiber foods lower cholesterol?
Certain types of dietary fiber have been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels. Foods rich in soluble fiber-oats, oat bran, dried beans and peas, barley, apples, citrus fruits, and carrots-are good choices.

If a food is labeled "cholesterol-free," can I eat as much as I want?
"Cholesterol-free" is not necessarily guilt-free! The FDA defines "cholesterol-free" as any item that contains less than 2 milligrams of cholesterol per serving.

But here's the catch-just because it's cholesterol-free doesn't mean it's fat-free! Be sure to look closely at the food label for fat content.

Should my child eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet?
A strict, extremely low-fat diet is not recommended for kids. Infants and children under age two need dietary fat for proper growth and nutrition, so fat should not be restricted at all for this age group. Children over age two need a balanced diet with a wide variety of foods and adequate calories for growth and development. Like adults, their fat intake should be no more than 30% of total calories. Childhood is a perfect time to establish healthy diet and exercise habits!