News reports on the role fat should play in your diet can be confusing. Some new studies suggest the type of fat you consume is more important to your health than the amount of fat eaten. Other recent reports contradict these findings.

The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver—but your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs.

Research indicates that trans fat raises LDL cholesterol. You can find out how much trans fat a food contains by checking the label.

Omega-3s are a beneficial and essential form of fat, one that your body needs but can't make.

Here's a formula to help you figure out how many calories and fat grams you need each day to maintain your current weight.

Certain types of fats can actually help your heart, so you don't need to avoid fat altogether. Instead, watch how much and what type you eat.

When trying to make heart-healthy changes to your lifestyle and diet, it is helpful to know some basics about nutrition.