What’s so good about “good” cholesterol? The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) removes the “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) away from your arteries and back to your liver so it can be removed from your body.  

Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs and uses it to keep you healthy. The waxy substance helps make new cells, some hormones and substances that help digest foods. Having too much cholesterol in your blood can slowly build up in your arteries and create plaque. The foods you eat can impact your cholesterol.  

So, what eats away the cholesterol? A variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods, lean meat (pork and red meat labeled “loin” and “round” have the least amount of fat), unsalted nuts, seeds and dried beans or peas are the healthier picks for reducing your LDL. 

“The good news is, high cholesterol can be lowered, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke,” said Selomie Kebede, M.D., fellowship-trained cardiologist, Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute. “From a dietary standpoint, the best way to lower your cholesterol is reduce saturated fat and trans fat. Reducing these fats means limiting your intake of red meat and dairy products made with whole milk.” 

Many no cholesterol or even low-fat foods are high in other types of bad fats, such as saturated and trans fats. Be sure to check the food label for saturated fat, trans fat and total calories.  

Saturated fat is solid at room temperature, which is why it is also known as “solid fat.” It’s mostly in animal foods, such as milk, cheese and meat. Opt for low-fat dairy options. 

Trans fat is a fat that has been processed to increase the shelf life of food. It makes crispier crackers and flakier pie crusts and can raise your cholesterol. Eat as little trans fat as possible.   

Read the food packaging label to monitor the amounts of cholesterol and fats you’re taking in. Eating a healthy diet can help you improve your cholesterol.  

Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs and uses it to keep you healthy. The waxy substance helps make new cells, some hormones and substances that help digest foods. Having too much cholesterol in your blood can slowly build up in your arteries and create plaque. The foods you eat can impact your cholesterol. So, what eats away the cholesterol? 

In a 2019 survey conducted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition, 77% of adult Americans take a dietary supplement. Are they helpful? Yes, they are. According to the National Institutes of Health, some dietary supplements can help you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients if you don’t eat a nutritious variety of foods. However, supplements can’t take the place of the mixture of foods that are important to a healthy diet.   

Q: Should I get my vitamins from food or supplements?  

A: Mother Nature provides enough nutrients in fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and meat. Our body digests, absorbs and pulls the goodness from natural sources better than their artificial counterparts. 

Q: Are vitamins different from supplements?  

A: Vitamins are considered supplements. A dietary supplement must be one or any combination of the following substances: 

• A vitamin, 

• A mineral, 

• An herb or other botanical, 

• An amino acid, 

• A dietary substance used to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake (e.g., enzymes or tissues from organs or glands), or 

• A concentrate, metabolite (substance produced by or taking part in metabolism), constituent or extract. 

Q: Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing?  

A: Many supplements contain active ingredients that can have strong effects in the body. Always be alert to the possibility of bad reactions like nausea, diarrhea or stomach cramps, when taking a new product.  

Q: How do you know if you should take supplements?  

A: Talk to your doctor first. Manufacturers may add vitamins, minerals, and other supplement ingredients to foods you eat, especially breakfast cereals and beverages. As a result, you may get more of these ingredients than you think. MyPlate.gov is a good source for ideas and tips to help you create a healthier eating style that meets your individual needs and improves your health. 

Q: Are supplements effective?  

A: Some dietary supplements can improve overall health and help manage some health conditions. For example:  

• Calcium and vitamin D help keep bones strong and reduce bone loss.  

• Folic acid decreases the risk of certain birth defects. 

• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils is said to help some people with heart disease.  

• A combination of vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin (known as AREDS) may slow down further vision loss in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  

Q: Can vitamins interfere with medication? 

A:  Yes, sometimes, these drugs and supplements may interact in harmful ways. 

It’s important to tell all your health care providers about all dietary supplements and drugs you take. That way, they can help you avoid harmful interactions. 

In a 2019 survey conducted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition, 77% of adult Americans take a dietary supplement. Are they helpful?

No matter who you are, and no matter what your age, your body requires 13 different vitamins for overall health and to promote proper functioning. These include vitamins A, B (which include the vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B-6, B-12 and folate) C, D and K.  

All these vitamins have specific jobs — and if you don’t get enough of them, you could develop issues. For example, not enough B-12 could make you anemic. Not enough vitamin E could lead to issues with your nervous system. And shorting yourself of vitamin D could cause bone abnormalities. Is a vitamin supplement the way to avoid these problems? 

The supplement aisle at most supermarkets is bursting at the seams with an enormous variety of single vitamins and multivitamins, from A to Z. Capsules. Powders. Gummies. Tablets. Some for men, some for women. Some for pregnant women, some for children and some that include minerals as well.  

Frankly, it’s overwhelming. 

Do you need to purchase a cupboard full of vitamins? Or will a single multivitamin do the trick? How can you be sure your body is getting all the vitamins it needs in the first place?  

Take a deep breath and put your mind at ease. According to the National Institutes of Health, if you eat a well-balanced diet and get enough exposure to sunlight, you should be getting all the vitamins your body needs. (Your body also produces vitamins D and K on its own.)  

Not sure if your diet would make the cut? According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), a healthy diet should: 

• Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products 

• Include lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts 

• Low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars 

If your diet seems like it’s falling short, here’s a tip. “Take the money you could be spending on supplements and purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables instead,” said Sarah Brauning, a registered and licensed dietitian with Genesis Diabetes & Nutrition Education. “You’ll still get the vitamins you need, and you’ll get to enjoy the taste as well.”   

Finally, consider your overall wellness. For example, do you have an existing health issue, such as anemia? Are you overweight or obese, which might mean you don’t get the proper nutrition from your diet? Then you might benefit from a vitamin supplement. If that’s the case, save time and spend your money wisely by first asking your doctor about the type of vitamin supplement that might be right for you. 

The supplement aisle at most supermarkets is bursting at the seams with an enormous variety of single vitamins and multivitamins, from A to Z. Capsules. Powders. Gummies. Tablets. Frankly, it’s overwhelming. 

You know how important nutrition is, especially to teenagers, and even more so for teenage athletes. So, plan and prepare meals with
various healthy foods to eat on the go and when they get home.

How much do you really think about WHAT you're putting into your mouth? If you're like most people, not very much. Nutrition decisions matter when it comes to keeping us healthy and preventing chronic illnesses.

How much do you really think about WHAT you're putting into your mouth? If you're like most people, not very much.

Cauliflower contains unique plant compounds that may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. At the end of the rainbow is a healthy meal with this low-carb cauliflower crust pizza. It is packed with veggies inside and out, and is perfect for kids and adults.

Going to the grocery store or even shopping for foods online can be a task. These tips can help you become a smarter shopper.

This tangy, spicy version of corn on the cob is sure to be a hit at your next summer cookout.

Have you heard of the “miraculous benefits” or “restorative powers” of a liver cleanse? Some claim they can repair years of damage to your liver, help you lose weight, flush your body of toxins and improve your overall health.  

But are these claims true? Take this quiz and find out!

Have you heard of the “miraculous benefits” or “restorative powers” of a liver cleanse? Some claim they can repair years of damage to your liver, help you lose weight, flush your body of toxins and improve your overall health.  

Ready to fire up the grill this summer? Here are some tips to help you keep it healthy. View the slideshow below.

Ready to fire up the grill this summer? Here are some tips to help you keep it healthy.