Not all carbohydrates are equal -- especially when it comes to their effect on cholesterol. Some carbohydrates raise cholesterol, while others lower it. You find carbohydrates in breads, cereals, grains, milk, yogurt, fruits, vegetables, and foods that contain added sugars.

Although sodium is essential for a healthy body, a significant majority of Americans eat more than twice the recommended amount, according to the American Heart Association. While those salty snacks might be tantalizing to the taste buds, they’re quite dangerous to the body’s health.

When it comes to cholesterol, drinking alcohol is a matter of balance. On the one hand, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol have been shown to improve "good" cholesterol levels and have been linked with reduced incidence of heart disease.

Between-meal snacks may play a crucial role in your diet plan if you feel hungry and need an energy boost during the day. The calories in these foods, however, can quickly add up if you are not careful. With a considerable amount of fat, sesame sticks are no exception and should be eaten in small portions.