Cholesterol and Heart Disease: Don't be a StatisticCardiovascular disease kills almost one million Americans annually. Another two million die from stroke. Forty million suffer some form of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis affects 95% of all Americans over the age of 50! More than 98 million Americans have blood cholesterol above the optimal level. According to the American Heart Association, eating foods that contain high levels of trans and saturated fats raises blood cholesterol and the risk of heart disease and stroke. Diet low in saturated and trans fats and rich in omega-3 fatty acids decreases that risk.

About Fats and CholesterolSaturated, trans, cholesterol and polyunsaturated fat including omega-3 fatty acids, have become part of the regular conversation in every household. Here is a quick overview of the basic types of fats.

• Saturated fats are the bad fats, the ones we love to hate. Foods high in saturated fats include baked and fried goods made with trans fat free palm oil, hamburgers, sausage and most dairy products. Lowering dietary saturated fat leads to uniform fall in blood cholesterol across age, gender, and race. • Trans fat promotes heart disease, the nation’s number-one killer, at least as effectively as saturated fat. They’re created when liquid vegetable oil is turned into semi-solid “partially hydrogenated” shortening. • Polyunsaturated fats are the good-for-you fats when consumed in moderation. They are usually liquid at room temperature and are found in sunflower, corn and soybean oils. Polyunsaturated fats can help reduce high blood cholesterol levels when part of a healthful diet. • Monounsaturated fats are the good fats. They are liquid at room temperature and are found in olive, almond, canola, and sesame oils. Monounsaturated fats seem to lower blood cholesterol if part of healthful diet. • Dietary Cholesterol comes only from animal sources such as meat and dairy products. Health professionals recommend limiting the consumption of dietary cholesterol, since it raises blood cholesterol level. • Omega-3 fatty acids are the “super nutrient” for general health and well being. Omega-3 is an essential nutrient that is vital for good heart and brain health, normal growth and development, as well as a host of other important benefits. Over 8,000 research publications support the health claims of Omega-3. Every cell in the human body contains Omega-3 but, unfortunately, the body can’t produce Omega-3 on its own so it must be consumed when eating foods that contain Omega-3 like walnuts and fish.