[Dan in Pasadena]

Jim, I too have low total cholestrol (about 175-179) and normal blood pressure. Typically 118/78 to 120/80. Zero plaque in arteries per Heartcheck America and $800 out of pocket - wonderful. My father had a series of heart attacks and strokes over 20 years that eventually killed him but he was a heavy smoker and I have never smoked -again good.

The bad news? My mother's side of the family has cancer in it. My recently departed uncle died of a brain tumor that was not malignant but could not be operated on. My mother has had a breast removed because of tumor. My other uncle died of stomach cancer. My grandmother on her side died of cancer of the pancreas. All this honestly scares the schit out of me.

My understanding is the supplements just do NOT replace eating the real deal. So if the plate I order at a restaurant comes with veggies, I make myself wolf them down. I figure if they get in me it doesn't matter if a smile or a frown was on my face. Also, I think you are more prone to diverticulitis without greens in you. Last, just think about it...food goes in to you to be broken down and nutrients absorbed. The waste gets processed through. To a degree, the roughage veggies provide sort of bottle-brush your guts out! Kinda repulsive to state it like that, but I don't want stuff rotting in there with nothing cleaning out my pipes occasionally. Not to mention you're more prone to ...uh...er..."hemi's" without veggies. Those that know nutrition, do I have that about right?