Cholesterol

Elizabeth Somer, registered dietitian and author of "10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman's Diet," blows the whistle on some of those so-called "healthy" foods.

1.

YogurtMost people know that calcium is important to build bone and prevent osteoporosis.

And milk products, such as yogurt, are one of your best sources of calcium.

Recent research also shows that some healthy bacteria in yogurts, called probiotics, can help keep you regular, curb symptoms of travelers' diarrhea, diarrhea associated with taking antibiotics and inflammatory bowel disease, and might even boost immunity and lower colon cancer risk.

The most powerful bacteria are ones like L.

acidophilus.

Don't pay extra for the brands on the market that say their specific form of bacteria - with silly names like "regularis" - are any more effective at keeping you regular.

And just because a yogurt has the word "immunity" in the title doesn't mean it's better at boosting your immune system either.

Choose a brand with a mix of bacteria.

Also, skip most fruited varieties, which have up to eight teaspoons of added sugar, more sugar then you'll find in most candy bars.

With Americans consuming more sugar than has ever been consumed by any living creature in the history of the planet, or about 40 teaspoons a day, we need to cut way back ...

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