Most people think of cholesterol in a negative way. However, cholesterol actually plays a very important role in the functioning of the body. According to The Mayo Clinic, cholesterol is found in every cell in our body and without it our bodies would not function properly.

A heart-healthy diet is low in both dietary cholesterol and saturated fat. Although crab meat and shrimp do contain cholesterol, they might not have an overly large effect on your cholesterol levels if you eat them in moderation.

A test to determine VO2 max measures the maximum amount of oxygen you can take in during maximum exertion. Measuring oxygen uptake is one way of measuring exercise intensity. VO2 max is also an indicator for endurance for sports such as cross-country skiing, triathalons and long-distance running.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that most dairy food choices be fat-free or low-fat. When you are baking, you follow this recommendation to lighten up your cake, muffins, cookies or bread.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 6.7 percent of American adults suffer from major depressive disorder, or severe depression. For many of these patients, physicians will prescribe the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor sertraline, or Zoloft, to treat their symptoms of depression.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter found in the brain that stimulates happiness and excitability and can improve your overall contentedness. Dopamine is the chemical in the brain triggered by several drugs, including cocaine and alcohol, to create the sensation of happiness.

Most Americans eat more bread than they think. You probably have toast for breakfast, a sandwich, panini or sub for lunch, and a few pieces of garlic bread with your dinner. Breads also include pizza dough, burger buns, bagels, English muffins, French baguette, rolls and croissants.

Chicken is a good protein source, with a 3 oz. serving providing 50 percent of the Daily Value for protein. Chicken is also a good source of niacin, vitamin B-6, phosphorus, zinc and riboflavin. It also contains some dietary cholesterol and saturated fat.

With cholesterol, just like in any movie or TV show, there's good guys and bad guys. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol contributes to plaque that can clog your arteries. If a clot occurs, you could suffer from a heart attack or stroke.

If diabetes runs in your family or your doctor discovers warning signs that you might develop the condition, your diet is more important than ever. Cream of Wheat, a hot cereal made from farina, also known as ground wheat, is likely a better breakfast choice than chocolate donuts or sugary pastries.

The antioxidants and other compounds found in fruits and vegetables help protect your heart's health, according to a study published in the medical journal "Platelets" in 2004. Avocados and kiwi are two fruits in particular that have been found to lower triglyceride levels.

Your body makes its own cholesterol, which it needs to function properly; however, cholesterol is also found in many foods.