Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the body that comes from two sources: some cholesterol is made in the liver, and some comes from eating animal foods (meat, poultry, eggs, fish and dairy). The body uses some cholesterol to insulate nerves, form cell membranes and make certain hormones. Too much cholesterol in the blood, however, can build up in the arteries increasing risk of heart disease and stroke.
Lipoproteins are formed when our liver "bundles" fat and cholesterol with protein. Two key kinds of lipoproteins are low- and high-density lipoprotein.
HDL / High Density Lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol, helps remove cholesterol from the arteries.
LDL / Low Density Lipoprotein, the "bad" cholesterol, has the tendency to build up inside the arteries.
Triglycerides are the form fat takes when carried in the blood. High levels of triglycerides are associated with increased risk of heart disease.
How can we help?
3 grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like original Cheerios® and Honey Nut Cheerios cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Original Cheerios cereal provides 1 gram per serving; Honey Nut Cheerios cereal provides 0.75 gram per serving.