Saturated Fatty Acids| Saturated fats are generally solid at room temperature and found in animal products such as meat, poultry, lard and dairy products.  Studies have shown that these types of fats tend to increase total cholesterol and LDLs (the bad cholesterol). Be aware that saturated fats do occur in a few plant sources such as coconut oil, palm oil and cocoa butter. Read food labels to search for these words.|SaturatedFattyAcids.swf\Sedentary Behaviors| A sedentary lifestyle is a lifestyle characterized by little or no physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle may be a factor of obesity. Physical activity is important for heart health, bone health and mental well being.|SedentaryBehaviors.swf\Selenium|An essential trace mineral that works in conjunction with vitamin E to protect cells from destruction.  Food sources include: fish, organ meats, shellfish, eggs, wheat germ, enriched breads and grains, and vegetables grown in selenium-rich soil.|Selenium.swf\Serum Cholesterol| This is cholesterol found in the blood.  Cholesterol cannot dissolve in the blood (think of oil and water) unless it is combined with special carrier proteins called lipoproteins. There are three major types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoprotein (<u><a href="asfunction:_level0.LinkToWord,Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)">LDL</a></u>), high- density lipoprotein (<u><a href="asfunction:_level0.LinkToWord,High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)">HDL</a></u>), and very-low-density lipoprotein (<u><a href="asfunction:_level0.LinkToWord,Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)">VLDL</a></u>). High levels of blood cholesterol over time can cause plaque build up on the artery walls, reducing or blocking blood flow. When trying to reduce cholesterol, decreasing saturated fats  is recommended (saturated fats raises total blood cholesterol levels more than dietary cholesterol).|SerumCholesterol.swf\Serving Size| Serving sizes are found on food labels. Food manufacturers use standard serving sizes so you can compare 8 oz of soda to 8 oz of milk, however, these are not dietary recommendations. Furthermore, one package of crackers may contain two servings so it is important to look at the calories and multiply them by two if that is your portion.|ServingSize.swf\Sodium| An essential mineral that works with potassium to regulate the flow of fluids in the body. It also plays a role in the nervous system, muscle function, and nutrient absorption.  Most Americans consume far more salt than their body needs (see <u><a href="asfunction:_level0.LinkToWord,Added Salt">added salt</a></u>).|Sodium.swf\Sucrose| Sucrose is a natural type of sugar made up of glucose and fructose.  This carbohydrate is found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Table sugar is sucrose.|Sucrose.swf\Sugar|This is refined cane or beet sugar, which contain sucrose in large quantities. A stalk of the cane plant contains about 14% sugar.|Sugar.swf\Soluble Fiber|Soluble fiber may help lower total cholesterol, which may help reduce one's risk of heart disease. It has also been shown to regulate blood sugar for people with diabetes. Food sources include: oatmeal, dried beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.|Solublefiber.swf\