1. What is cholesterol? It is a soft, waxy substance found among fats circulating in your blood-stream and in all of your body's cells.

2. What is good cholesterol? It is high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It carries cholesterol away from your arteries and takes it to your liver where it is removed from your body. High levels of HDL protect your heart. HDL levels less than 40 for men and less than 50 for women may increase heart disease risk.

3. How many different fats are there? There are four major fats in the foods we eat: saturated fats, transfats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats.

4. How many calories are in a gram of fat? There are nine calories in every gram of fat. That is a lot compared to carbohydrates and proteins, which contain four calories per gram.

Back to tips