I'm going to tell you right from the start -- this is not an article about intelligence, per se. Its about how certain kinds of meats -- brains being one-- can affect your cholesterol levels. My goal is to naturally lower cholesterol, and if you have that same goal, read on.

Its not just about brains. Its about liver, kidney, heart, tongue, and tripe -- which is a polite name for stomach. Oh, and lets not forget sweetbreads -- which is a polite name for intestines -- usually deep fried. Collectively they are called organ meats. At Thanksgiving, they are called giblets. I'm talking about the foods we eat! Well -- some people eat!

It matters not what they are called, they are rich in nutrients and when prepared well they can be very tasty. Personally, I love liver. Chicken liver is my favorite and of course, I prefer it deep fried. I also love duck liver pate. I also have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. Is it any wonder?

But lets not give organ meats a bad rap from the start. Lets look at the nutrient value. Organ meats are super high in Vitamin B12. If you lead a life that has occaisional stress - who doesn't? - Vitamin B12 is a must in your diet. Additionally, they provide quality level of potassium, iron (especially liver), protein, and a lot of other B vitamins.

In fact, liver is nature's vitamin storehouse. It's got zinc, niacin, foliate, and Vitamin A in addition to all the ever-important Vitamin B's and potassium.

However, if you tend toward heightened cholesterol levels, listen up. Organ meats, especially brains - are a super rich source of cholesterol and unfortunately it is NOT the good kind. A mere five ounce portion of brains will add over 2000mg of cholesterol. That is enough to cause serious problems even if eaten just once in a while. If you're eating it on a regular basis, make sure your affairs are in order. It is that serious!

According to the American Heart Association, if you are a healthy individual who has not been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you can certainly eat organ meats to your "hearts" content --- no pun intended. However, if you are suffering from high cholesterol or heart disease, it is recommended that you avoid organ meats completely.

So that is just one of a few dietary changes I made to naturally lower my cholesterol. I never eat liver any more -- much to the relief of my husband who hates all organ meat -- and I have added more fruits and vegetables to my diet along with wild fish -- when I can get it - for the Omega 3 benefits. I also exercise at least two hours each week -- sometimes in 10 minute increments, and I have reduced my alcohol consumption to one glass of wine each day.

My cholesterol level has dropped over 50 points in the last three months and my doctor is not going to prescribe statins! Whew! A few simple changes and I'm back to leading a healthy life!