Lipids in the blood are necessary to life, but when they are too high in the forms of cholesterol and triglycerides, it spells trouble. Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans and can be reduced by as much as 50% with an optimal diet and exercise. But what is an optimal diet? One containing at least 5 servings of fruits and 5 servings of vegetables, both very low in fats and incorporating beans on a daily or frequent basis because beans contain a type of fiber (soluble) that reduces blood cholesterol. Hidden fats in foods must also be reduced. When shopping it’s important to read the nutritional labels, and if the fat calories comprise more that 10-20 percent of the total calories, it would be best to leave that product on the self or use it sparingly and infrequently. Increasing dietary fat increases blood fats which increases heart disease and certain cancers including colon, prostate and breast. So be a wise consumer and avoid high fat foods, for yours and your family’s health sake.