This answer is brought to you by many of the Australian nutrition professionals who regularly contribute to a nutrition email discussion group. Note that this FAQ addresses cholesterol and heart health for the general population. If you have a heart condition or are at increased risk of heart disease (e.g. because of elevated blood cholesterol or diabetes) always seek advice from your doctor or dietitian about your diet.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all parts of the body. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and cause blood clots. Cholesterol can clog your arteries and keep your heart from getting the blood it needs. This can cause a heart attack. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called the "bad" type of cholesterol because it can clog the arteries that carry blood to your heart. For LDL, lower numbers are better.

Higher intakes of saturated and trans fats, and dietary cholesterol raise low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in the blood. An elevated LDL cholesterol increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD). To decrease LDL cholesterol and the risk of CHD, substitute monunsaturated and polyunsaturated fats for saturated and trans fats and decrease the intake of cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is an important component of all the cells in your body. Unfortunately, elevated levels of blood cholesterol can be a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. This "extra" cholesterol is synthesized in the liver and it is also part of the diet.

Women's arteries and heart are smaller than a man's. This creates a higher need for a more effective product. A John Hopkins study reports that women have more calcium and fat build-up in the circulatory system than men. Women are very interested in antioxidant and vitamin usage to promote health.

Fish contain a type of fat known as 'omega 3'. The omega 3 fats are unsaturated fats that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, although they seem to do this without significantly lowering LDL. Eating fish or other seafood once a week (or more) is associated with a significantly reduced risk of heart disease and other related diseases such as stroke.

Although they do not significantly affect blood LDL levels, eating plenty of vegetables and fruits is thought to have a protective effect against heart disease. The antioxidants in vegetables and fruits may help protect LDL from oxidation and therefore make it less harmful to blood vessels. In Australia, the recommended daily intake is five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit each day.

Joint distribution of non-HDL and LDL cholesterol and coronary heart disease risk prediction among individuals with and without diabetes, by J. Liu and colleagues. Diabetes Care 28:1916-1921, 2005.

only animals contain cholesterol, the statement no cholesterol simply means that the oil was derived from a plant. However, as discussed earlier in this FAQ, such a claim does not inform you whether the oil is low in saturated fat, and this is most important for lowering cholesterol. noted above, some plant oils are quite high in saturated fats, particularly palm and coconut oils.

CocoaVia® products contain both cocoa flavanols and plant sterols, which are naturally occurring compounds that research suggests promote cardiovascular health. Research suggests that the consumption of cocoa flavanols can improve both the flexibility of blood vessels and the function of platelets, suggesting that these cocoa flavanols may support cardiovascular health through their ability to promote a healthy circulation.

No the program is meant to help healthy Canadians identify foods that can be part of an overall healthy diet. If you have specific dietary needs you should speak to your family physician.

Coronary Health Shakes contain Coenzyme Q10, amino acids and Pycnogenol, which provide a natural defense against heart conditions brought about by improper diets. For maximum results, take 1-3 Coronary Health Shakes each day as part of your 5 & 1 Plan. If you’re currently on heart medications, consult with your doctor prior to starting the diet.

Research has shown that life-long abstainers (people who have never consumed alcohol) have higher rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) than moderate drinkers. Some scientists believe that alcohol provides a level of protection against CHD by interfering with the formation of blood clots and slowing down the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Despite well-publicized claims singling out red wine, the effect is the same for white wine, liquor or beer.

Health-and-Fitness:Heart-Disease] In the last few years, medical scientists have had divergent opinions regarding the actual efficiency of common cholesterol-lowering medications. A series of experiments and clinical trials conducted in the past had revealed that commonly prescribed cholesterol medications such as statins were actually unable to effectively Health-and-Fitness] Autism is a general term that is used to cover a number of disorders known as Autism Spectrum disorders.

Cholesterol is only one risk factor that may lead to heart disease. The other major risk factors are listed below. Your doctor can help you to understand your risk for heart disease by taking into account these other factors along with your cholesterol.

No, not at all. In fact, my cholesterol is slightly below average. My blood pressure, while not alarming, edges on the outer boundaries of normalcy. Nothing to be concerned about though. 136/88 was my last blood pressure measurement. I'll try for once a day. I'm not a big french fries fan, but I like salads even less! But while this is a burger emphasized diet, the fibre and nutrients that come with eating salads cannot be denied.