Learn more about our Good For You Facts

Cholesterol

The nutrient content claim is cholesterol free. This means that all Dare Products containing the cholesterol free claim symbol have met the criteria set out by the Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration. For example, Vinta crackers are cholesterol free!

Cholesterol is a waxy odorless substance that is essential to human health. Most of the cholesterol is produced in the body, primarily by the liver. A small amount of cholesterol comes from the food we eat. For most people, dietary cholesterol by itself has relatively little effect on the level of cholesterol in the blood, explains Jane Dummer, Registered Dietician.

Cholesterol helps the body build and repair cells. There are two types of cholesterol found in the body: HDL-C (high density lipoprotein) known as the ‘good cholesterol” and LDL (low-density lipoproteins) known as the “bad cholesterol”. Too much LDL-C raises the risk for heart disease.

Helpful Tips

If dietary cholesterol has relatively little effect on the blood cholesterol level of most people, what does? Your lifestyle choices do - including a healthy eating pattern and incorporating activity/exercise into your daily routine. Jane Dummer, Registered Dietician agrees the research shows a diet high in saturated and trans fat can lead to an increase in your LDL –C, raising your risk for heart disease. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines (active until the 2010 Dietary Guidelines are published) for Americans found at www.mypyramid.gov/ key recommendations include consuming less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids and less than 300 mg/day of cholesterol and keeping trans fatty acid consumption as low as possible.

A person’s allowance for oils depends on age, gender, and level of physical activity. The type of fat consumed is as important for health as the total amount consumed. Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35 percent of calories with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils.

Menu Planning Ideas

Enjoy two (2) Dare Vinta crackers paired with salmon salad (made with low fat dressing) for a delicious part of your lunch. Try seven (7) Cracked Wheat Bremer wafers with piece of fruit for a mid afternoon break. Add salsa as a topper to four (4) cracked pepper All Natural Water Crackers for an appetizer or snack after work.

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