Healthy Living
Cholesterol
Learning About Fats
The Facts on Fat: What a Healthful Diet Should Include

News reports on the role fat should play in your diet can be confusing. Some new studies suggest the type of fat you consume is more important to your health than the amount of fat eaten. Other recent reports contradict these findings.

Cholesterol in the Blood

The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver—but your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs.

Understanding Trans Fat

Research indicates that trans fat raises LDL cholesterol. The FDA is requiring food manufacturers to list the amount of trans fat a food contains on the label by 2006.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Coronary Heart Disease

Omega-3s are a beneficial and essential form of fat, one that your body needs but can't make.

Calculating Calories and Fat Grams

Here's a formula to help you figure out how many calories and fat grams you need each day to maintain your current weight.

Putting Healthy Fats on Your Plate

Certain types of fats can actually help your heart, so you don't need to avoid fat altogether. Instead, watch how much and what type you eat.

Components of Food

When trying to make heart-healthy changes to your lifestyle and diet, it is helpful to know some basics about nutrition.