Elevated cholesterol levels and heart disease go together. By managing your cholesterol now, you may protect your future health more than you realize.

Exercise and a low-fat diet are essential for the health of your heart. But how many of us eat enough fruits and vegetables each day? And did you know that by reducing the amount of certain high-fat foods you eat, you may lessen your intake of natural plant sterols, which play an important role in heart health?

Natural plant sterols are important to the health of your heart. These beneficial fat-like substances occur naturally in vegetables and fruits. They're especially concentrated in vegetable oils, legumes, nuts, and grains. Not only do plant sterols lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL), they do it without affecting “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels. The U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program recommends sterol-rich foods to boost your diet?s LDL-lowering power.