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In May 2001, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel in the U.S. issued updated clinical guidelines for the treatment and prevention of high cholesterol. One of their specific recommendations for therapeutic lifestyle changes was to encourage increased consumption of plant sterols/stanols as part of a healthy diet. The NCEP informs and instructs physicians to make their patients aware of phytosterol-enriched foods, which may be purchased and consumed as part of lifestyle changes to control high cholesterol.
Dietary and behavioural changes are the first line of defence in reducing high cholesterol. The most important factor in sensible dietary cholesterol management is the reduction or moderation of saturated fat intake.
A healthy body can manage cholesterol more efficiently than an unhealthy body. We recommend an active lifestyle with moderate exercise and dietary choices that minimize saturated fats or substitute saturated fats for unsaturated fats. The additional benefits of regular exercise include lowering of blood pressure, increase in HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol that removes excess bad cholesterol), lowering of triglycerides and weight loss.
Keeping body weight at healthy levels (Body Mass Index under 25) can help greatly in normalizing blood cholesterol levels. Here is a formula, depending on the input data (pounds/inches or kg/cm).
THE SUGGESTED BASIC FOUNDATION FOR A HEALTHY DIET MAY BE
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, fat-free and low-fat milk products, fish, legumes (beans) and lean meats including skinless poultry. Fats and oils such as canola oil and olive oil with 2 grams or less of saturated fat per tablespoon are recommended. Restrict intake of sodium (salt) and avoid overindulgence of energy dense, low nutrition foods such as fried food products, carbonated drinks and confectionaries high in sugars, and alcoholic drinks.
To avoid weight gain and maintain body weight, the amount of calories taken into the body should be balanced by calories expended out. This involves around 30 minutes a day of walking or other physical activities of your preference within your ability and comfort zone. If you wish to lose weight, increase the amount of daily exercise so that you burn more calories than you consume per day.
The benefits of establishing a healthy lifestyle plan, which includes nutritious low fat foods and regular exercise, are well documented. You may reduce, or manage more effectively, the risk factors of cardiovascular disease such as high blood cholesterol, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes and live a longer, healthier life.
Please note, the information presented throughout this website regarding diet and nutrition is not a substitution for medical advice or therapy, and we strongly recommend all consumers adopt a sensible, proactive approach to their health and seek consultation with a qualified health care professional with regard to healthy lifestyle choice and use of
phytosterol products.
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